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BORN
1967
DIED
2023
Lena Matthews-Grady Obituary
Lena was born February 17, 1967 in Los Angeles County to Ginger Matthews, who passed away when Lena was three. She was raised by her grandmother, Annie Matthews, who provided Lena a life filled with family, love and laughter.
Lena did not have siblings, but she was embraced as a sister by her loving cousins Annie, Maury, Joey, Aramis and Freddy Dandoy. Her Aunt Maureen and Uncle Aramis Dandoy were steadfast, parental figures who supported her grandmother as she guided Lena through life. When Lena battled kidney failure at 23, it was her Aunt Maureen who was by her side, ensuring that she got the best care. Later in life when she battled cancer, her cousin Annie Muno was there to do the same.
Lena was a student at Saint Margaret Mary's School, Bishop Montgomery and Narbonne High School where she graduated in1985. At California State University Dominguez Hills she earned her bachelor's degree in education and later, her Masters. Lena's love of the arts and gift for drama made literature come to life in her English classes and she often volunteered to teach drama or assist in school performances. For 18 years Lena shaped the future of children at Carnegie Middle School, San Pedro High School and Rancho Dominguez Preparatory School.
Brian and Lena spent 21 years of marriage camping, traveling and watching Broadway shows at the Pantages theatre. Lena loved time with family; the "lunches with the Tetas" and holidays with her cousins. Family extended to her two best friends since childhood, often traveling with Lisa and acting as a second mom to Linda's girls, Katie, Elizabeth and Carmen. Lena spent sunny days on the beach creating memories with everyone and many evenings pondering great books, discussing life and laughing hard with her book club friends.
Lena is survived by her loving cousins Annie Muno, Joseph Dandoy, Fred Dandoy and Maury Dandoy. Also by her former husband and good friend Brian Grady and family.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 5th at 11 am at her favorite spot on RAT Beach: 201 Paseo De La Playa, Torrance. A reception will follow at 1 PM at Rock & Brews, 6300 PCH, Redondo Beach.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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