Raffaelina “Lena” Camastra
Raffaelina “Lena” Camastra, 93, of Rome, passed away peacefully on Wednesday November 27, 2019 in St. Elizabeth’s Hospital.
She was born in Staletti, Italy on April 19, 1926. She was the youngest of ten children born to Raffaele and Maria Concetta (Voci) Grillone. She was educated in Italy. She came to the United States in 1948 and was united in marriage to John Camastra in St. John the Baptist Church, a blessed union of 71 years.
Lena is survived by her beloved family, her husband John; a daughter Mary Ann, a son and daughter-in-law, Joseph and Rondy Camastra; a cherished grand-daughter Sherianne Camastra and her partner of 14 years, Brian Boudreau; sisters-in-law, Josephine Feole and Ida and Rocco Griffo all of Rome; a brother-in-law, Greg Camastra of Redding, CA. and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by a sister and brother-in-law Carmella and Frank Corasaniti; a brother-in-law, Phil Feole, sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Rose and Mike Amuso all of Rome; eight brothers and sisters in Italy.
Lena stayed at home to raise her children until they were older and in school. She then worked for several years as a seamstress in the garment industry. She was a selfless hard working woman who always put her family before herself.
Her Catholic religion was a very important part of her life; making sure that it was instilled in her children.
The family would like to thank Dr. Brian Alessi’s office for the years of care and kindness shown her; also a thank you to the Presbyterian Home Assisted Living Unit and St. Elizabeth’s Hospital staff.
Funeral services will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 3rd at 11 a.m. in St. John the Baptist Church for a Mass of Christian Burial with the Rev. Abe Esper as celebrant. Private interment will be in St. Peter’s Cemetery.
There will be no calling hours.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Bottini Funeral Home, 120 W. Embargo St.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Lena’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Envelopes will be available at the Church.
