JAMESVILLE - Lena Helen Massa, 88 of Jamesville, passed away on Thursday February 9, 2023.
She was born in Niagara Falls, NY on June 26, 1934, a daughter of the late Antonio and Christina D'Andrea.
She met her husband at a USO Dance while he was serving in the Army, stationed in Niagara Falls. Lena married Frank Massa on August 11, 1956. After getting married, they settled in Frank's home town of Jamesville, NY where they raised their three sons and remained there until her passing.
Lena was employed for over 20 years at the M&T Bank in Jamesville and later was a dedicated and active Board member and Treasurer for many years with the Jamesville Community Museum.
Lena was a huge SU basketball and football fan where she was a season ticket holder for over 40 years. She enjoyed communicating on Facebook, Soduku puzzles and crocheting blankets for family and friends. She also loved spending time at her favorite place, their summer residence on the St. Lawrence River where she made countless memories and lifelong friends. She cherished her family, but by far, her favorite role was being a grandmother. Her grandchildren were her greatest joy and she loved being their Nana.
She was predeceased by her husband Frank Massa who passed away on May 11, 2022 after 65 years of marriage - fun fact, Frank asked her to marry him on their very first date!
She was also predeceased by a granddaughter, Christina and her siblings, Jennie Eodice, Antoinette Morganti and Mary Pawlikowski.
Lena is survived by her children Frank (Deborah) Massa, Jr., Anthony (Patricia) Massa and John (Marna) Massa; her grandchildren, Jeffrey, Nicholas, Brian, Laura, Abigail and Zachary; her great grandchildren, Leo and Thomas and her beloved nieces, Judy, JoAnn and Debbie.
A visitation will be held on Friday, February 24, 2023 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow immediately at 12:00 pm at Our Lady of Hope Roman Catholic Church, 4845 S Salina St., Syracuse, NY 13205.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jamesville Community Museum.
Lena had these words that would sum up her life: Family, Faith and Let's Go Orange!