Lena Calai

Lena Calai, age 92, of New Philadelphia, passed away peacefully early Wednesday afternoon, March 31, 2010 in Amberwood Manor. Born Angeline Maria Destefani, on January 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 September 19, 1939. She and John celebrated fifty-eight years of marriage prior to his passing on February 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, Kentucky, 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 â?? 7 in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia, where Christian Wake Services will commence at 7PM. Monsignor George J. Schlegel will celebrate A Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday morning, April 6, at 10AM 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 website. Memorial contributions may be made to the Youth Ministry at Sacred Heart Church, 139 Third Street NE, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.