Obituary of Lena F. Peck

Lena Peck, 69, died Tuesday, April 8, 2014, after a brave and passionate battle with mantle cell lymphoma. Lena was born on December 14, 1944 in Brooklyn, New York. She was the youngest of 12 siblings born to the late Salvatore and Josephine Spinnato. She graduated from Tilden High School in 1962 and married the love of her life in 1965. Lena and Joe raised their family and made many happy memories on Flatlands Avenue in Canarsie, Brooklyn, before relocating to New Jersey in 1997 and finally to Riverview, Florida in 2004. Lena was a "people person" and flourished in retail sales. From her years at S&D Department Stores on Rockaway Parkway to her years at Publix Supermarket in Florida, her customers loved her and would often wait in line just for the chance to be helped by Lena. Lena loved her family and is survived by her loving husband, Joe; two daughters and their spouses, Cathy and Steven, and JoAnna and Anthony; her four grandchildren who adored her, Danielle, Caitlyn, Jacalyn and Jessica; and, of course, her precious dog, Boo who stood by her side right until the very end. She leaves many loving memories to be cherished by sisters Ida, Mary, Lillie, Josephine and Virginia, and her brother, Sal. She joins sisters, Sadie and Anna, and brothers, Tony, Joey and Jackie, and her dear friend, Buba, in heaven. Lena loved a hot slot machine and was always up for a friendly poker game. She enjoyed deep, personal relationships with so many, and once friendships were made, she kept them near and dear for life. She was the glue that held people together and often offered her home to those in need of a place to stay or a hot meal. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorial donations be made to the Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation (www.moffitt.org) in Lena's memory to show their gratitude for the wonderful care she received.