Obituary of Lena Gardina
Gardina: “Lena” Liberata (nee Marchetti) -
A resident of Chatham, Lena Gardina passed away on Sunday, September 25, 2022 at the age of 92.
Born in Valle Castellana ,Teramo, she grew up in Pietralta, in the region of Abruzzo, Italy, Lena was the daughter of the late Eugenio and Maria (nee Ortenzi) Marchetti.
Beloved wife of the late Giuseppe "Giorgio" Gardina (1993).
Greatly missed by her children, Angela (Scott) Praill, Giorgio Gardina (Teri-Lynn Harlick).
Loving Nonna to Christopher (Fiancée Mollie Conrad), Anthony (Singiza) Praill, and Stephanie Praill.
Survived by siblings Domenico (Gina) Marchetti, Quinto (Nancy) Marchetti, Loretta Cappelli. Predeceased by brothers Giovani and Angelo.
Niece and Nephews include Anna, John, Piero and Eugene (Laura) Marchetti.
Lena came to Chatham and became a Canadian citizen in 1962. She soon met her husband here and started to create the chain of life which would lead to her greatest joys- her grandchildren.
Her working years were spend labouring in crop fields, working in housekeeping at the Public General Hospital and then at the Civic Centre in Chatham but first and foremost she was a Mother, then a “Nonna” to everyone. Her hands were always busy- cooking, gardening, knitting and mending patches and loving up her family. Unfiltered - she always spoke her mind and offered advice.
She will be fondly remembered for her quiet sense of humour and how easily she shared her time and love to those around her. To quote her “I don’t know why, but everyone likes me” was true until the end of her days. She really was just the cutest.
Her family is thankful for the care from Dr Matsusaki and the staff at Thamesview Family Health Team. She loved going to “The Club” (Alzheimer’s Society Day Program) because they are just awesome.
Visitation will be held at the Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham on Wednesday September 28, 2022 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. & 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. A Funeral Liturgy will be held at the Funeral Home on Thursday, September 29th at 11:00 a.m.
Donations made in memory to the Alzheimer's Society or the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation would be appreciated.
Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com
McKinlay Funeral Home
459 St. Clair Street, Chatham
519-351-2040
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