Lena Kathleen Toste

Lena Kathleen Ciapessoni – Toste

May 22, 1932 - November 27, 2025

Lena Toste walked up the stairway to Heaven Thanksgiving Evening, November 27, 2025, at the age of 93 united with her two daughters, Linda, Mary and son George.

Lena and brother Bill were raised by their father Giuseppe Ciapessoni, who migrated from the Lake Como area in Italy after World War I. Giuseppe settled in Kerman, California and became a grape and almond farmer with his son Billy.

"Tootsie" as Lena was named by family and friends married John Toste. She was 17 and became the mother of five children by the time Lena was 28.

Lena has two sons remaining, Johnny "Chuck" and Eddie Toste.

Tootsie worked long hours on the dairy farm, while raising five children. Though it was a difficult and challenging occupation. Lena would find joy in music and dancing. She would entertain her children in the living room by singing and dancing to the songs being sung on American Bandstand.

Lena then raised her son George's two boys when he passed away. Mike and Joey became Lena's sons more than her grandsons.

When her children moved on with their own families, Lena found joy in going to Casinos. She lived her life to the fullest!

Lena is survived by many relatives; Sons; Chuck and his wife Carol and Eddie Toste. Grandchildren: Angela Toste Pievcy, Travis Toste, Mike Toste, Joey Toste and by six Great Grandchildren. She is the beloved aunt to Bruce Ciapessoni, Brian Ciapessoni, Karen Ciapessoni, Frank Toste Jr. Ronnie Toste and Scott Toste.

Private Services were held

In lieu of flowers or gifts the family requests remembrances be made to St. Judes Children Research Hospital www.stjude.org