Obituary of Leonarda Celano

Mrs. Leonarda “Lena” Celano, 92, of the Mohawk Valley, passed peacefully on Wednesday, August 15, 2018 at the Wilkinson Residential Healthcare Facility in Amsterdam, with her daughters by her side.

Born on April 1, 1926 in Astoria, NY, she was the daughter of Joseph Taormina and Mary D’Arrigo Taormina.  She was a graduate of Canajoharie High School, Class of 1945.  Lena had been a resident of the Mohawk Valley for over 50 years, moving to the area during the Depression.

Throughout her twenties Lena worked for Hay Trade Journal in Canajoharie, NY and she was a legal secretary for Beech-Nut during the 60’s and 70’s.

Mrs. Celano was a communicant of the former St. Peter’s & Paul’s Catholic Church in Canajoharie, and of Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church in Fort Plain.  She was a member of 2 religious orders, The FMJC, and The Franciscan Third Order.  Lena was a devout and active Catholic throughout her life.

Lena became legally blind in 1973, but was an avid lifelong reader, who loved learning and all kinds of music.  She was instrumental in assisting her husband, Benny in obtaining his US Citizenship.  She was very involved with her children’s school activities and she loved baking, especially for the holidays.  Sending cards and notes of encouragement was her lifelong ministry.  Mrs. Celano actively shared in the achievements and lives of her grandchildren.

On April 25, 1953 at the former St. Peter’s & Paul’s Catholic Church, Lena was married to Benedetto “Benny” Celano.  He preceded her in death on October 11, 2004.  Her younger sisters, Angelina Davi, Mary Stanley; and oldest grandchild, Ann Danielle Whalen also predeceased her.

Mrs. Celano is survived by her daughters, Maria Whalen of Fort Plain, NY, Joanne and Chris Resch of Fort Plain, NY; grandchildren, John Resch of Seattle, WA, Tara Resch of St. Paul, MN; grandpups, Dutchess, Cara; nieces, nephews, and their families, Vincent, Maria, Josephine Davi, all of Long Island, Joe, Tim, Kim Baker, all of CA.

Lena was a resident of Wilkinson RHCF for the past 5 years, where she became a loving part of this community.  She leaves behind many dear friends at Wilkinson, who became a part of her everyday family.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 18, 2018 at 11:00AM at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, Reid Street, Fort Plain, NY.  Burial will take place in St. Peter’s & Paul’s Cemetery in Canajoharie.

Contributions in memory of Mrs. Leonarda Celano may be made to the Mohawk Valley Lion’s Club, PO Box 681, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428 or to The Wilkinson RHCF Resident’s Activity Fund, 4988 St. Hwy. 30, Amsterdam, NY 12010.