Lena Degraaf

Born in Rotterdam, the Netherlands on August 15, 1940, Lena emigrated in 1961 to the United States with her husband, Bastian C. DeGraaf. They settled in New Jersey, where they raised their son Leonard and daughter Patricia M.

Bastian passed away on August 28, 1989. Patricia died on October 22, 2022. Lena is survived by her son Leonard and daughter-in-law Anne M. DeGraaf, and a granddaughter Layna Flores (daughter of Patricia).

Lena enjoyed a long career in the food service industry as a waitress and restauranteur. She worked in diners throughout New Jersey and owned restaurants in Linden and Lakewood. In 2012 she moved to Leisure Village in Lakewood with her partner Dimitrios Papadogeorgopoulos. Dimitrios died on March 9, 2019.

In retirement Lena enjoyed cooking, gardening, shopping, and spending time with her friends. She was active in Leisure Village’s bingo, music, Italian, Catholic and yacht clubs. Leonard and Anne want to thank all of Lena’s friends in Leisure Village for the love, support, and happiness they provided Lena in the last years of her life.

Lena is also survived by her loving brothers Cornelius and Bastiaan Spierenburg, and sister Mia Tamock, and their families, all of whom live in Australia.