Leona E. (Rand) Lapenas

ORANGE- Leona E. (Rand) Lapenas, 102, of New Athol Road, died on Monday afternoon, November 6, 2023 at the Charlene Manor in Greenfield.

Born in Orange on October 28, 1921, she was the daughter of Eben and Emma (Whitney) Rand and grew up in Orange, graduating from Orange High School in 1939.

On July 25, 1941, Leona married John Lapenas and enjoyed over 32 years of marriage until his death in 1974.

Leona was a nurse’s aide at the Eastern Star  Home in Orange for 14 years before retiring. She had previously worked for the Erving Paper Mill and the L. S. Starrett Co.

Leona loved her family and will be greatly missed.

She enjoyed cooking, sewing, polka dancing and music, and crocheting. She enjoyed traveling to Florida to visit her brother.

Leona was very active in the Orange United Methodist Church for over 70 years.

In 2021, Leona celebrated her 100th birthday with a huge party and get together and loved socializing with everyone that came.

Leona was an active member of the Orange Senior Citizens, the Orange Striders Walking Club, AARP, Athol Golden Age Club, 12 years in a singles club, and several women’s clubs through the United Methodist Church of Orange.

Leona is survived by her children, Judith Rowe, Donald Lapenas and his wife, Linda, Deborah Rowe and her husband, Steve, all of Orange; grandchildren, Holly Charette (Robert) of Holyoke, Matthew Rowe (Beth Bosworth), Athol, John Lapenas (Sara) of Maine, Heather Wattling (Matt) of Springfield, Ronald Rowe Jr. (Glen)of Cherry Hill, NJ,  Keith Rowe (Stacey) of Buffalo, NY, and Barry Pease of Orange ; several great grandchildren,  Chole Charette, Delaney Charette, Colin Rowe, Maxamilian Rowe, and Sophia Rowe; a brother, Edwin Rand (Glena) of Florida; and many nephews and nieces.

Besides her parents and husband, Leona is predeceased by a grandson, Eric Rowe (2022), brothers, Edwin Rand (2022), Earle Rand (2004), Leslie Rand (1930), and a sister, June Girouard (2005).

A Calling hour will be held on Monday, November 13, 2023 from 10-11 a.m. at Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange.

A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. at Witty’s Funeral Home.

Interment will follow in South Cemetery, Orange.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

Guest book and directions online at WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

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