Lena Caroline Molinaro

Lena Caroline (Ross) Molinaro, of Sherwood, passed away November 26, 2023, in her home.  Lena was born on December 18, 1925, in DeLancey, Pennsylvania.  She was the daughter of the late Jessie (Cappella) and Anthony Ross.  She grew up in Punxsutawney, PA., where she met, fell in love with, and married Eugene Molinaro.  They were happily married for 60 years and had six children.

Lena was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.  Upon moving to Arkansas in 1963, Lena and Eugene joined Immaculate Conception Catholic Church where they remained faithful members.  Lena was always active in her children’s church and school activities and took pride in all their accomplishments.  She was their biggest fan.  She had a great sense of humor and instilled in her children the value of faith and family.  Her children were her greatest joy.  

Her grandchildren, and more recently great-grandchildren, also became a source of pride and joy for Lena, and nothing made her happier than spending time with them.  Holidays were always a wonderful time at “Nana’s,” as she decorated her Christmas tree with many keepsakes from her family.  From spaghetti dinners on Sundays, to never forgetting a birthday or anniversary, to showing a genuine interest in each individual, Lena made everyone feel special.  Her refrigerator was a gallery of photos and magnets that reflected the importance she put on family.   She lived a life like Christ and was kind to everyone.

Lena and Eugene loved playing cards and dominoes, and had weekly card game nights with friends for many years.  They also loved going to Branson, watching movies, and going out to eat.

Lena was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Molinaro, along with her parents.  Also preceding her were five siblings and one grandson:  Kathryn Renne, Cora Cardamone, Mackie Ross, Francis Bofinger, Russell Ross, and Cade Sellers. 

She is survived by her children:  Micheline (Jimmy) Langston of Cabot, Louise (Rick) Wirges of Russellville, Eugene (Allene) Molinaro of Little Rock, Anthony (Kim) Molinaro of Russellville, Carol (Jim) Bacquet of Russellville, and Joe (Julie) Molinaro of North Little Rock.

Surviving Lena are nineteen grandchildren:  Jennifer (James) Andrews, Jeanette (Ronnie) Brewer, Jamie (Brandon) Wilson; Dr. Rick (Dr. Marla) Wirges, Rob Wirges, Jeff (T.C.) Wirges; Gina (Jacob) Richardson, Burnadette Molinaro; Stephen Harris, Lynnsey (Jeff) Gwaltney, Lexie (Alex Whorton) Molinaro, Chase (Diana) Butler; Drew Fowler, Gina Fowler, Alec Bacquet, Gabe (Paige) Bacquet; Jessica (Camren) Abshure, J.J. Molinaro, and Marisa Molinaro.  Also surviving Lena are seventeen great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, December 3rd, from 2:00-3:30 pm at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, with a Rosary to begin at 3:30.  A funeral will be held on Monday, December 4th, at 11:00am at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with burial to follow at Rest Hills Memorial Park.