Lena Agnes Cord

In Loving Memory of

Lena Agnes Cord

September 17, 1927 - December 22, 2023

It is with deep sorrow that we share the news of Lena Agnes Cord peacefully transitioning into eternal rest with the Lord on December 22, 2023, at the age of 96.

Lena was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, great aunt, cousin, and friend.

Lena Agnes Cord was born in Johnson City, Illinois to Catherine and Girolamo Papia. She graduated from St. Aloysius Academy High School in 1944 with many fond memories. In her late teens, Lena's family relocated to Los Angeles, and at age 25 Lena married the love of her life Charles Cord, and together they raised three children.

Lena was a second-generation American, born to immigrant parents from Burgio, Sicily, who instilled in her the values of hard work and perseverance which she carried throughout her life.

Lena retired from Union Carbide, where she worked for over 30 years in Torrance. For several years Lena lovingly cared for her mother in her home, and later during the time her mother was in a nursing home, Lena devotedly oversaw her care with regular visits creating for her a warm and compassionate space filled with love.

Lena was always there to listen with comforting words of compassion, understanding, encouragement, wisdom, and support to family and friends. Her home was adorned with countless cherished photos of her loved ones, each one a source of joy and fond memories.

Lena enjoyed keeping up with current events by reading two newspapers daily and tuning into various religious, health and intellectual discussions with her favorite radio hosts. She was a delight to converse with always having interesting stories to share and adding insight to every discussion. She treasured her phone conversations and time spent with family and friends. We will always keep in our hearts various sayings she often said, such as, ‘Things happen to the living’ in Italian and/or English (a saying she referenced to her mother), 'God bless us all', and concluding many conversations with ‘Rush away smiling!’

Lena was a remarkable person whose loving kindness, warm spirit, intellect, and humor endeared her to many, making an indelible mark on the hearts of all who were graced with knowing her.

Lena is survived by her sister Frances Taylor, her three children: Mary Cordaro (Scott), Vince Cord (Lorraine), & Rose Cordaro, three grandchildren: Olivia Cordaro Day, Philip Cord (Nichole), and Rachel Daggett (Sean), and six great grandchildren: Columbia and Playa Scott, Regan and Sofia Cord, and Reid and Blake Daggett.

Lena is deeply missed each and every day and will be forever in our hearts.

To respect Lena’s wishes, a small family-only private burial was held on January 10th, 2024