Lena Caliva Obituary

LENA CALIVA has gone home to those big slot machines in the sky. Born September 14, 1913 in Palermo (Piana Di Albanese), Sicily, she died March 6, 2006. Lena had a zest for living and always brightened the lives of those around her with her quick wit and charming quips. She was an exceptional woman of strength who possessed a generosity of spirit. She had a great love of people, playing cards, going to casinos and watching the cooking channel. Lena was a native Houstonian who grew up in the depression era and worked hard all her life as a popular hair dresser and a single mother. In her younger years she loved to dance the night away with her best friend Camille and all of the young single Italians. She enjoyed staying up late and telling stories about the old days. Her legacy is a life well lived, as she never felt sorry for herself and always found the bright side of even the worst situations. She lived her Christian faith by example. Those who knew her will remember her strength, unabashed honesty, character, razor-sharp memory and deep abiding love that never wavered for her family and dear friends. She's preceded in death by her father and mother Sam & Anna Caliva, brothers George, Jack, Joe and Andrew Caliva, sisters Francis DeCola and Mary Schifani. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her only son, Joe Ranieri, sisters-in-law, Rose and Becky Caliva, numerous nieces, nephews and beloved friends. Family will receive friends from 6:00 8:00 P.M. Tuesday and Wednesday at Forest Park Lawndale with a Vigil Service at 7:30 P.M. Wednesday. Funeral Liturgy: 11:00 A.M. Thursday, March 8, 2006 in the Main Chapel of Forest Park Lawndale. Rite of Committal: Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery. Pallbearers: Sam J. Caliva, Marty Caliva, Sam A. Caliva, Joe Caliva, James Collums, Judd Cribbs, Joe DeJohn, Mike Harrell, Dr. Marc Longo, Carl Mattaliano III, Angelo Moscarelli, Tommy Tamburello.

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Published by Houston Chronicle on Mar. 7, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Lena Caliva

5 Entries

Bobbie Fields

March 7, 2006

By not meeting Miss Lena until the winter of her life I think I got the best of some of her stories about the beauty shop, dancing, conventions, her family and of course, poker nights. She could bring a story to life and life to a story. We became kindred spirits when I told her I could play “Pitch”. Her jokes were wonderful as well. She reinforced the fact that a glorious smile and a hearty laugh can make anyone 20 years younger than what they really are. I enjoyed our discussions on the merits of motherhood and how they are reflected in our children. She was so very proud of her Joseph.

I feel blessed to have known you Miss Lena.

Lisa Moscarelli

March 7, 2006

Aunt Lena will forever be remembered for her pasta and chicken soup. I am so happy to have had her in my life and gotten to know her as an adult when she stayed with me for a month. She always found the silver lining.

I Love You and Will Miss

Love

Lisa Moscarelli

Ruth White Bond

March 7, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. I have very fond memories of Aunt Lena especially when she cooked for me! She was a wonderful lady.

Cody & Andrew Oliver

March 7, 2006

Even though Aunt Lena is our great-aunt, she is more like a grandmother to us. We spent lots of time with her and loved spending the night and staying up all night watching 'Emeril' and '2 Fat Ladies' on the cooking channel. She always cooked the best fried chicken and pasta for us, and even if we weren't hungry when we got to her house, we were as soon as we walked in because it always smelled like seasonings, especially oregano. We will remember her love she gave to my brother and I unselfishly and will always cherish the happy and fun memories we shared together. We love you Aunt Lena and we take comfort in knowing that you will always be watching over us.

Love, Cody and Andrew

Kathy Caliva-Pinkston

March 7, 2006

I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.

My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.

They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.

Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.

But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.

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