It is with great sadness that the family announces the sudden passing of Lena Hennessy of Sudbury, Ontario, on Thursday, October 13, 2022, age 88.

Lena is survived by her children, Patrick (Robin), Anne (Gary), Michelle, Lisa, Tara (Rolando), John (Lia) and Colleen (Glenn), and nine grandchildren. She is predeceased by her beloved husband, Dr. John Hennessy, and son, Paul.

A feisty, red-headed Italian, Lena was born on June 7, 1934, to August and Ida Bettiol in Schumacher, Ontario. Lena was predeceased by her parents and her sisters, Marina and Patricia. She is survived by her siblings Irene, Gus, Tootsie and Cheryl. She will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to know her.

Amiable, athletic, and smart, Lena graduated from Schumacher High as class valedictorian. Lena studied nursing at St. Micheal’s Hospital in Toronto, then worked at the Sudbury General Hospital and later in public health. Lena first met John at her sister Marina’s house-party in Sudbury. They sat and chatted for hours. The conversations continued for over 60 years of married life. Lena was a devoted wife, mother and nonna.

Lena’s high energy level was amazing - it allowed her to care for her children, work as the nurse and secretary at John’s medical office then make a home cooked meal each day - occasionally baking treats for dessert. Somehow she found the time and energy to sew clothing for her children and friends, knit, crochet, petit point, refinish and reupholster furniture, paint and decorate the home, or refinish the floors at camp. She was always willing to share her time and skills with friends. While Lena had many talents, rarely could she tell a joke without breaking out in laugher before reaching the punch-line.

Lena loved her family dearly. Even with all her energy, she occasionally recharged through visits to friends and family to take a break. Lena and John enjoyed playing cards - at home, at camp or with friends. For many years, Lena played cards with “the girls” in Coniston - it was always a good evening. Whenever her sisters visited, there was always laughter and cards.

Passionate about books and a lover of language, Lena opened the Children’s Bookshop once all her children were in school. A shopkeeper ahead of her time, she always had coffee ready to welcome customers. They could come for a book, take a break, sit down, chat and stay a while. This was a reflection of her nature, as she was a social, friendly, giving woman who was a devoted friend to many. Up until the very end, she was making new friends.

Lena was an amazing, loving, giving mother, wife and friend and will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be Wednesday October 19th from 7 - 9 p.m. at the Cooperative Funeral Home, located at 222 Lasalle Boulevard East. Services will be held at Christ the King on Thursday, October 20th at 9:00 am, followed by a private burial. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Greater Sudbury Public Library.

The family would like to thank PSWs Guylaine and Jessie, and the staff at HSN for their compassionate care.