Lena Quaglia

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of LENA QUAGLIA (nee Rizzio), age 97, born July 19, 1928, in South Philadelphia, PA. Lena passed away peacefully on Sunday, October5, surrounded by the love of her family and friends. Lena was a member of St. Eleanor's Parish in Collegeville, PA where she enjoyed the melodic praise and worship of the 4:30 Saturday evening mass.
Lena's passion in life was centered on her faith and family. The relationships she built with others were masterpieces of life where trust, loyalty, and service were developed and nurtured. She worked tirelessly taking care of and putting the needs of others first. She possessed a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother and was greatly influenced by Mary's Love and Charity especially demonstrated in the 2nd Joyful Mystery of the Holy Rosary, The Visitation.. As a loving wife, mother, aunt, cousin and friend, Lena always knew and sensed the urgency of the moment and reminded everyone that later or tomorrow may never come. She said, "We need to see obstacles as opportunities of a call to action. We need to shine our light and encourage and welcome others, meeting them right where they are and be present for them." Our family witnessed this repeatedly as she regularly and joyfully practiced the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.
Lena was a great teacher, and her classroom was the dining room table especially on a Sunday afternoon. Insieme or togetherness was the main ingredient of all her recipes with the aromas of fresh cut pasta, gravy (NOT SAUCE) with four kinds of meat and traditions from Abruzzo, Italy.
Her legacy to all who knew her and beyond was her ability to teach and share life lessons. Her greatest teachers were her own mother and grandmother, Angelina and Domenica, who immigrated from Abruzzo, Italy. Mom never let anything go to waste and saw hospitality and respect as important fabrics that make life sacred.
One of mom's favorite musicals was THE SOUND OF MUSIC and these are a few of her favorite things. • Dancing with Dad especially at Club Melrey • North Wildwood Days (especially Saturday night concerts by the Ocean, talking to neighbors from the front porch and enjoying dolphin watching on First Street pavilion) • Making meatballs, easter ham with cloves, and escarole soup • Hosting holiday family dinners (There is no place like home for the holidays with mushroom stuffing) • Enjoying Englebert Humperdinck songs and concerts • Playing Old Maid with her grandchildren • Enjoying Madison Providence Book Club
Lena will be greatly missed and was preceded in death by her parents Paolo and Angelina (nee Mariano) Rizzio, her sisters (Mary and Eleanor), her brothers (Eustachio, Daniel, and Domenic) and survived by Beloved husband of Robert Quaglia. Devoted mother of Robert (Rosa) Quaglia and Joseph (Kate) Quaglia. Loving grandmother of Matthew (Courtney), Christina (Nick), Angela, Christopher (Victoria), and Michael; great grandmother of Ford and Crew. Lena is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing and funeral Friday morning October 10th, 10:00 to 11:15 A.M. at St. Eleanor Catholic Church, 647 Locust St, Collegeville, PA 19426. Funeral Mass will begin at 11:30 A.M.
Interment Holy Cross Cemetery, 626 Baily Rd, Yeadon, PA 19050
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Eleanor's Church in Lena's memory.
Please share your memories and condolences at www.gangemifuneralhome.net