Mrs. Lena Mary Tapp

Lena Tapp, age 93, a long-time resident of Stockton, California died on Friday the 28th of January at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Lena was born May 16, 1917 in Antioch, California to Girolamo and Amalia Martini. Her parents came from Italy in 1911, six months after they were married. Lena had three siblings, Roy Martini, Joe Martini, and Lou Martini. All three brothers died in Stockton. At the Age of 13 Lena’s mother Amalia died leaving her husband Girolamo and 4 young children. Helping her father and brothers in this most troubling time of their life contributed to the person that Lena became throughout her entire life as a caring and devoted individual. Lena met her future husband Durward Tapp while working at Hamilton Field in San Rafael where he was stationed with the 5th Army Air Corp. prior to WWII. They completed 63 years of marriage before his death in 2004. While still living in her home Lena had wonderful neighbors who would come over to check on her and make sure that she was not in need of anything after her husband’s death. Sometime after her husband died she moved into assisted living. Her last 2 ½ years were some of the happiest and memorable years of her life. She spent them at Emeritus Fulton Villa in Stockton, where she had made it her home. At 90 ½ years she became the center of all of the social events that were held on a weekly basis. She was always surrounded by a large group of senior companions and caring staff. She is fondly remembered by her family and friends as a responsible and industrious, a witty, a humorous and a caring person. Lena shared a close bond with her sister-in-laws, Grace Martini and Joyce Joyner who she spoke to everyday throughout her life. Lena showed a deep reverence for God and also attended religious services on a weekly basis at St. Luke’s. Lena leaves, a daughter, Marlene Picou of Des Allenmans, Louisana; a grandson, William Picou of Fairfield, CA; a granddaughter, Mary Ledbette of Dallas, Texas, two great grandsons, Tyler and Cody Ledbette. Three nephews and four nieces, Cal Martini, Rick Martini, LeRoy Martini, Vera Rogers, Ranata Mamaril, Regina Martini and Savannah Hoser. And a daughter-in-law, Alma Tapp. Family and friends are invited to attend the funeral service on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the DeYoung Memorial Chapel, 601 N. California St., Stockton, CA There will be visitation at DeYoungs, Tuesday, February 1, 2011, 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Burial will be at San Joaquin Catholic Cemetery, Stockton, CA In lieu of flowers, Lena requested that contributions are made to Hospice of San Joaquin, 3888 Pacific Ave., Stockton, CA 95204