Obituary of Antonina "Lena" Thompson

Antonina “Lena” Thompson ( nee Scapellato, Paluccio ) passed away peacefully in her home on June 20, 2024, surrounded by her family. Lena lived in the Lakeridge Adult Community of Toms River, NJ for the past 27years. She was predeceased by her loving husband Warren Thompson (1995), her mother and father, Frank and Bessie Scapellato and two sisters, Jenny and Flossie. Lena was the devoted and loving mother of Jennifer Festa (John), Maria Guariglia (Mark), Theresa Eisenbraun (Bill) and Elizabeth Van Wygerden; cherished grandmother of Billy Eisenbraun, Kimberly Festa-Carbuccia, Michael Eisenbraun, Brian Eisenbraun, Nicholas Guariglia, AmiLee Lezgus, Matthew Festa, Karl Van Wygerden, Kate Franze and Justin Van Wygerden. Lena had 16 beautiful great-grandchildren.

Lena was born and raised on Staten Island. Her childhood home was on Roosevelt Ave. until her family moved to 295 Bradley Ave. In order for St Rita’s to erect a new church next door, the house was sold for the church’s parking lot to be erected. As a young child Lena devoted much time to helping the church and loved the priests and the nuns. She was a graduate of St. Rita’s Parochial School, and St. Peter’s High School. She furthered her education at the College of Staten Island earning her RN degree. She was employed at the former Baily Seton Hospital and US Public Health Hospital, both on Staten Island. She retired in 1995. Lena enjoyed being with her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, trips to Atlantic City with her cousin Luna (The Borgata Babes) and she loved to read.

Due to her declining health from Alzheimer’s Disease, she was cared for by her live-in caregiver Lana. The family could not have gotten through this time without her. For the past 6 months hospice VNA has lovingly and expertly cared for Lena until her passing. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to them.

Due to personal health concerns, the family will NOT be accepting flower deliveries. Instead,

anyone who wishes to donate to the VNA of Ocean County NJ may do so and that would be

appreciated. Memorial Gifts and Gifts in Honor - VNA Health Group

https://vnahg.org/memorial-gifts-and-gifts-in-honor/#:~:text=You%20may%20also%20mail%20a%20check%20to%3A&text=In%20lieu%20of%20flowers%2C%20donations,or%20area%20of%20greatest%20need.

A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Rita’s RC Church, 281 Bradley Ave, S.I.N.Y. on Tuesday 6/25 at 11:00am followed by interment at Moravian Cemetery.