Lena A. Mastriani, 95, active in the community, radio spokesperson during WWII

Lena A. Mastriani of Ridgefield died on March 20 at Filosa Convalescent Home in Danbury. She was 95.

She was born on Dec. 21, 1909 in Rochester, N.Y., the daughter of the late Maria and Christy Boggus. Soon after, she and her family moved to Schenectady, N.Y. where she attended Schenectady public schools. Before her marriage she worked for the General Electric Company manufacturing radio components.

In 1934 she married the late William J. Mastriani, a General Electric Company employee, a union (IUE) activist and chief shop steward. He predeceased her in 1967. Lena was a stay-at-home wife and mother to her daughter, Nina, and her son, Billy. During World War II she supported the war effort as a community radio spokesperson and many years later she worked for the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.

“Lena was a warm and loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and aunt. She was a talented homemaker, excellent cook and caregiver to her family and friends. She loved to crochet and shared many of her beautiful works of art,” her family said.

In 1979 Lena moved to Ridgefield to live with her daughter and family. She became involved in local activities, including the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), the Red Cross volunteers, the O.W.L.S. and the Ridgefield Community Center. She was also a communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Ridgefield. She played a major role in bringing up her granddaughter, Debra. She taught her to cook and drive. Her greatest joy was attending and participating in Debra’s many school and extracurricular activities.

Her daughter, Nina DePass, and her husband Gerald of Ridgefield survive her. She also leaves behind her granddaughter, Debra Jones and her husband Kevin of Redding and several nieces and nephews. Her son, William Jr., and three brothers and two sisters, predeceased her.
Friends will be received at the Kane Funeral Home, 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield on Sunday, April 3, from 1 to 3 with a Celebration of Life Service at 2:30. A Mass of Christian Burial and burial will take place in Schenectady, N.Y., at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations may be made to Almost Home, 52 Federal Road, Danbury, 06810 or to Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut Inc., 405 Main Street, Danbury, 06810.

03/30/2005