Obituary of Lena E. Serusa

Lena Serusa (nee Mangefrida) of LeRoy/Buffalo met the Saints with a bright smile on November 18, 2015 at age 96. She was predeceased by her devoted husband of 55 years, Anthony, daughter Lynne, parents, Frank and Josephine of Lake Street and nine Mangefrida brothers and sisters. Surviving is daughter, Jean of Amherst and grandchildren, Eric Maloney of Rochester, Jill (Sean) Hall and two precious great grandchildren of Buffalo. With special love, she leaves her brother, David (Angela) Mangefrida, several nieces, nephews, cousins and "church lady" friends and neighbors. Lena dedicated her life to service with a kind and generous heart. She was a Rotary "Citizen of the Year" honoring her years in St. Joseph Parish, Ladies of Charity and choir, Girl Scouts, and American Field Service host parent. Her philosophy was "The Golden Rule" and faith by works. She was first to organize and drive others to appointments or visit the elderly and sick. The extended family's 'chicken pox' healer and soup chef for aches and pains, Lena's daily selfless fortitude was legend. 'Dropping in' to the Serusa hospitality was always an easy thing to do. Her many talents included self taught skills such as accordion, organ, calligraphy and painting. She passed her beloved 'word smarts' Scrabble, Jeopardy and crosswords and reading interests to her daughters. Lena was a 'Can Do' person never giving less than her best. She was a hopeful Yankees fan for 7 decades! Her humor and light spirit was the signature of a generous generation who survived hard times with deep gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy. In Lena's memory, the family requests that her virtue of kindness and volunteer service be a goal for the years ahead. Please be a blood donor or choose a situation where your extra help will make a difference! Family and friends are invited to help celebrate in her Rite of Christian Burial on Saturday November 28 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter's Church, 44 Lake Street, LeRoy.