Lena Desotti was born on August 20, 1916, the beloved daughter of Assunta and Matteo. She died peacefully at Health Science North on Good Friday, March 30, 2018 at the amazing age of 101 years!
Beloved wife of Alfred Desotti predeceased 1988. Loving mother of Eleanor (Jack Kehoe predeceased), Barbara (Hans Zuuring), John (Lesley) and Peter (friend Shelley). Cherished grandmother of Nancy (Dave Jylha), Sean Kehoe(Janis), David Kehoe (Cheryl), Robert Zuuring (Angelita), Douglas Zuuring (Nicole), Stephen (Hailey), Lea (Shawn McAuslan), Michael (Lisa), Adam (Sarah). Great grandchildren Ashley, Alyssa, Patrick, Karen, Oliver, Kylie, Logan, Theia, Conor and Spencer. Dear sister of Mary, Clara, John, Joe and Tom, all predeceased. Sister-in-law to Olga (Guido Felicioni predeceased). Sister-in-law to Mae (Mac Canapini), Angie (Bert Piccini), Tess, Kay, George and Edowino –all predeceased. Sadly missed by many nieces and nephews.
Lena lived on Fir Lane St. in Sudbury and attended St. Aloysius grade school and Sudbury Technical College. There were hard times to go through while growing up, especially during the Depression years and World War II. Lena learned not to waste anything and was very thrifty.
She worked as a bookkeeper at Fowler Hardware until she married Alfred in 1941 and gave birth to Eleanor, her first of four children. Lena kept busy as a mother and homemaker. She always had a tasty home cooked meal on the table and cookies, butter tarts or some other delicious baking treat for her children on their return from school.
Lena loved to learn and encouraged her children in their education. She also enjoyed knitting, sewing, reading, working the elections, playing cards, gardening, canning and picking blueberries. Lena was still picking blueberries at the age of 80. She helped Fred make blueberry wine and she canned or froze many quarts of berries that were enjoyed during the winter. Her blueberry pies fresh from the oven were mouth-watering delicious!
Lena delighted in her grandchildren and great grandchildren and loved family get togethers, especially her outings to camp at Lake Onaping. She usually showed up with a batch of freshly baked oatmeal cookies or some other delicacy for all to enjoy. She always remembered birthdays and special occasions.
Lena had a strong faith and compassionate heart. She could not bear to see people suffering, especially those in war torn areas or from natural disasters. She was a longtime member of Christ the King Catholic Church and also the Ladies Auxiliary and volunteered with baking and knitted goods for many events.
Lena was especially grateful to Deacon Roland Muzzatti who visited her weekly at Walford on the Park and brought her holy communion that strengthened her in her own pain and suffering.
As a niece wrote, “we will miss her wit, smile, and passion for life and all that is good!” Our memories of Lena live on in the hearts of those who share them!

Funeral Mass
in the
Christ the King Church
30 Beech St., Sudbury
Saturday, April 14th, 2018 at 10am
Interment in the Lasalle Cemetery.
Donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
Arrangements entrusted to the Jackson and Barnard Funeral Home.