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Michela Caniglia Obituary
October 31, 1922 ~ November 12, 2011
MONTEREY - Michaela "Lena" was born on October 31, 1922 to Frank and Orsola Spadaro in Marrettimo, Sicily. She passed peacefully after a short illness on November 12, 2011 with family at her side. She came to Monterey in 1937 with her mother and father, who was a fisherman and owned and operated the "El Capitan," a sardine purseiner. She attended San Carlos School and Monterey High School. She met her husband, Anthony "Tony" Caniglia, in 1946 and they were married July 27, 1947. Tony was a pharmacist at Hilby Drug Store in Monterey and later owned and operated Ord Terrace Pharmacy in Seaside. Tony and Lena enjoyed traveling and taking cruises and going to Europe. They also loved taking short trips to Lake Tahoe, Palm Springs, Solvang and Las Vegas with their many friends.
Lena was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed cooking, gardening and spending time with her family and friends. She was active in the Elks Club and a member of the Festa Italia and Italian Catholic Federation in Monterey. She was a devoted parishioner of the San Carlos Cathedral.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Tony, and her parents Frank and Orsola Spadaro. She is survived by her sister, Maria Giacalone, of Genoa, Italy; three children: Jeanette (Vito) Mazzarino and John Caniglia, both of Salinas, and Dr. James Caniglia of Newark, New Jersey; her grandchildren: Kimberly Perry, James Cameron Perry, Justin Caniglia, and Jenna Caniglia; several cousins, nieces and nephews, and her longtime friends: Marguerite Salamone, Catherine DiMaggio, and Mary Perry.
The family wishes to thank those that helped Lena in her final days: her caregivers, Kamini Hawn and Arsenia Menor; her physician, Dr. Shehab Saddy, and team of doctors and nurses at the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, Terrace West.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 17, 2011 with a Vigil following at Mission Mortuary in Monterey. A
Funeral Mass in celebration of Lena's life will be held Friday, November 18, 2011 at 9:30 a.m. at the San Carlos Cathedral in Monterey.
Donations in Lena's memory can be made to San Carlos Cathedral Cornerstone Campaign or Community Hospital.
Condolences may be sent to MissionMorturary.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michela Caniglia
5 Entries
Denise Russell
November 20, 2011
I was saddened to hear the news of Lena's passing. She was a great person and will be missed. My sincere condolences to the family. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Jim Cason
November 19, 2011
Caniglia family, we are sorry to hear of your mother's passing. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all in this difficult time.
Mayor Phil Calabrese Family
November 16, 2011
We did business with Tony at Ord Terrace pharmacy for many years . We would like to send are respect to his family for the loss of his wife. May the Lord Bless you.
Rob Rocca
November 15, 2011
Dear Caniglia's, one and all, my heart is saddened to hear of your beautiful, and loving mother's passing. She was very dear, very kind to me, and will always hold a special place in my heart. My love and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Rob Rocca
Mission Mortuary, Inc.
November 14, 2011
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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