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BORN
1918
DIED
2010
Lena Calai Obituary
Born Angeline Maria Destefani, on Jan. 12, 1918, at Wainwright, she was a daughter of the late Girardo "Jerry" and Anna Dusini Destefani.
Lena was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church at New Philadelphia her entire life. There she served in the church Altar Society and Senior Citizens. Lena married her husband, John P. Calai, on Sept. 19, 1939. She and John celebrated 58 years of marriage prior to his passing on Feb. 11, 1998.
Together, they raised a family of five children, Kathleen (husband, Nelson) Reed, Angie (husband, Ross) Stamm and Mary Jo Fait, all of New Philadelphia, Charles Calai of Cincinnati, and John (wife, Rae Ann) Calai Jr. of Millersburg.
She'll be sadly missed by her grandchildren, Tom Reed of Louisville, Ky., Matthew Stamm of Loudonville, Rachel Stamm and Alesia Fait of New Philadelphia, Wendy Hartsaw of Columbus, Kathleen Lindner, Charles Calai and Christine Shaw, all of Cincinnati, and Jeremy Calai of Millersburg.
Thirteen great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, a sister Margaret Kopp of New Philadelphia, and two sisters-in-law, Edith Bigler and Mary Destefani, both of New Philadelphia, also survive.
Numerous nieces and nephews complete the family.
In addition to her parents and husband, Lena is preceded in death by a dearly beloved grandson, Joshua Calai; a sister, Theresa Mattevi; and brothers, Charles, Louis, Frank and James Destefani.
Lena loved the simple things in life and was truly a loving caregiver, caring for her Mother and brother Louis for many years. Her family always came first and was the most important part of her life. She was not only a great Mom but also a best friend. Also, she was well known for her delicious Chocolate-Chip cookies.
Friends are invited to call Monday evening from 4 to 7 in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia, where Christian Wake Services will commence at 7 p.m.
Monsignor George J. Schlegel will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday morning, April 6, at 10 a.m. in Sacred Heart Catholic Church at New Philadelphia. Burial, alongside her husband, will follow in Calvary Cemetery, New Philadelphia.
Following the committal service, family and friends will gather for a reception in the cafeteria of Sacred Heart School. Those unable to attend are invited to share fond memories and condolences with the family by visiting the funeral home's Web site.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Youth Ministry at Sacred Heart Church, 139 3rd St. NE, New Philadelphia, O. 44663.
Linn-Hert-Geib
(330) 343-5506
www.geibcares.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lena Calai
wendy hartsaw-calai
April 17, 2010
to my family and grandma, I will always think about you and grandpa i know you are in a better place and i will always remember all the good times we had. I love you always.
Jim Destefani
April 5, 2010
I was so sorry to hear of Aunt Lena's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.
Rose Marie Johnson
April 4, 2010
To All the Family of Lena,
you have my deepest sympathy for your loss. I know how wonderful loving care she received from her children and families. She will always live through her children. Kathy and Angie know of my thoughts and prayers for you.
Charles & Mary Destefani
April 3, 2010
All The Family of Aunt Lena,
Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss.
Daniel RYBARCZYK
April 2, 2010
We remember well the joyful spirit of Lena. A kindly neighbor and fellow parish friend, always ready with her winning smile.
God's Peace be with all of you, her loving family.
Pax et Bonum,
Daniel Rybarczyk
New York City
Roberta Boone-Sauser
April 2, 2010
Dear Kathleen and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Your memories of your mother will always travel with you.
God be with you at this time.
Kathy Zadra
April 2, 2010
With Sympathy.
The Zadra Family
Eugene Meechan
April 2, 2010
John and family of Lena sorry for your loss.Our family will be thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers.
Joshua McFadden
April 2, 2010
I had the pleasure of taking care of Lena when i worked at amberwood. She was like a grandmother to me. My prayers go out to the family and friends. Even thought I wasnt working there anymore I'd still stop by to see her. She was a very special lady and I will miss her dearly...
Andy & Cathy Armbrust
April 2, 2010
She was a wonderful person. We didn't see her these last years, but whenever we saw her she always had a smile. The picture in the obituary is just how we remember her.
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