Lena Manfredi Chiesa

RUTHERFORDTON - Mrs. Lena Manfredi Chiesa, age 93, passed away on Saturday, August 5, 2017 at Willow Ridge Rehabilitation. She was born to the late Joseph and Gemma Alzapiedi Manfredi on May 31, 1924 in Manhattan, New York, She is also predeceased by her husband John Peter Chiesa.

Lena leaves behind to cherish her memories one daughter, Anita Occhi of Washingtonville, NY; one son, Gerard Chiesa of Pensacola, FL; one daughter-in-law, Valerie Chiesa of Pensacola, FL; two grandchildren, Caroline Occhi-Sorce of New Windsor, NY and John G. Chiesa of Pensacola, FL; two great-grandchildren, Michael Sorce of New Windsor, NY and Christina Sorce of New Windsor, NY; a beloved dog, Daisy of Rutherfordton, NC.

Lena Chiesa loved God, family and friends. She was a devout Catholic and devoted, loving wife, mother, grand-mother and friend. She was a home-maker, excellent cook and took care of family and friends when they were not able to do so for themselves.

With a sparkle in her eyes and a ready smile, Lena lit up a room. She was a joy to be around and people loved to sit for hours and converse with her, She was a great listener and always ready with prayers and words of comfort and advice for those in need. She loved a good laugh and was always ready for an adventure.

Lena lived a full and interesting life. Born to Italian parents in New York, New York on 5/31/1924, Lena moved to Italy in 1933. She attended school there and learned English, Italian and French. Her family moved back to New York where she met the "man of her dreams" John P. Chiesa during World War II. She took a train to El Paso, TX to marry him and they moved back to New York after the war. After she was widowed Lena lived in Florida and moved to Rutherfordton, NC in 2008.

She loved entertaining, music, especially Opera, singing and playing the piano, arts and crafts and coloring. She was actively involved in school, church and various other organizations during her lifetime.

Lena believed in the power of prayer, "lived" her faith and was truly a blessing to those fortunate enough to know her. Lena was a strong woman and a fighter. She never gave up. She knew what it was to suffer but met and defeated every obstacle that life threw her way ​until she passed peacefully from this life to her eternal one.

A Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, August 9, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Forest City. Visitation in the Church Narthex one hour prior to the service. Entombent will be at Cemetery of the Ascension, 650 Saddle River Road, Monsey, New York at 11:30 AM Thursday August 10, 2017.

Robert Morgan Funeral and Cremation Service of Boiling Springs, N.C. is entrusted with services.

Condolences may be made at www.rsmorganfsl.com.

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