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Lena Van Smaalen Obituary

Lena J. Van Smaalen MURRIETA -- Lena passed away peacefully on Friday, October 22, 2010 after a courageous battle with cancer. (She survived it five times). Lena (Lena Jacoba Buijs) was born January 27, 1924 in Maarssen, Netherlands and was an identical twin. She survived the German occupation of Holland in WWII. She had two brothers and five sisters. All are deceased, except for her twin sister, Wilhelmina. Lena married her husband, Anton, in 1947 and were married for 62 years before his passing in 2008. They had an incredibly adventurous life together. After the war, they immigrated to western Australia and lived very happily there for 13 years. Then in 1966, they moved to the United States and lived in Lawndale, Torrance, Yorba Linda, Harstene Island, Wash., and finally settled and retired in Temecula. Lena will be missed by her daughter, Lynette and her husband Steve; her son, Paul; her grandchildren, Colby, Chase, and Dustin. She is also survived by two great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her son, Max; and her husband, Anton. Lena will be remembered Saturday, November 13, 2010 at the home of her daughter. Lena, her husband, and her son's ashes will be interred together at Laurel Cemetery in Old Murrieta under a beautiful Pepper tree. Sign the Guest Book online obits.nctimes.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by North County Times on Oct. 31, 2010.

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4 Entries

November 11, 2010

My memories of Auntie Lena and Uncle Antoon in Western Australia along with all the cousins are still very vivid in my mind,a testament to the great times we had and the special people they were. Both our families were a courageous group. Our fathers coming to a unknown country barely speaking English yet working hard to make a successful life for their families, supported by strong women. Lena was a survivor who was always so positive and possessed a deep faith in God and people. She has left behind a tremendous legacy for all of us to remember. May God bless all of her family, Louis, Flo and family.

Maureen

November 4, 2010

I was chewing gum when Tante Lean visited us for the first time in Fremont. She remarked..."So it is true that all Americans chew gum!" She always had something fun to say. I remember how much fun Tante Lena and Mom had still dressing alike and trying to trick friends. Our kids were just little and they would get so confussed. She was a fun person to be with and will be greatly missed by her family.

Louis

November 3, 2010

My first memory dates back to my life in Holland while growing up when tante Leny came to visit from the far away land of the U.S.A. I enjoyed being around her and her family. She and uncle Antoon then took me in while I was on vacation in the U.S., making me feel like I was at home. She had a way of making everyone feel special, and she had a smile that wouldn't quit. I will miss her. Lynette, Paul, Steve, Colby, Chase, and Dustin, our thoughts are with you all.

November 2, 2010

Dear Mom,
You are missed and will always be in my heart. You were the best friend I ever had. I loved you and always will.
Lynette

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