Lena (Filomena) Buttazzoni

Mrs. Lena (Filomena) Buttazzoni passed away on April 22, 2021 following a lengthy illness with family by her side.

Born on October 24, 1931 in San Daniele del Friuli, Udine, Italy, Lena was the eldest of four children. In January 1953, she came to Canada to marry her childhood sweetheart, Tony. She arrived with only a travel trunk filled with linens that she embroidered and her Singer sewing machine which she used regularly until her passing. Lena and Tony were married for 68 years and created a loving home in Westfort where they raised their daughters Luisa and Silva. Tony and Lena were happiest when they were together and with family.

Lena was very active throughout her life, working part time in her younger years. Lena was a talented seamstress and also enjoyed knitting, crocheting, embroidery and needlepoint. She was passionate about her flower gardens. She and Tony worked alongside each other in their abundant vegetable garden. In the fall, she canned and processed enough vegetables to last through the winter and made delicious antipasto and tomato sauce. Tony and Lena travelled extensively together and with friends. In their later years they also looked forward to their weekend card games and casino road trips.

Lena's greatest passion was her family. As well as raising her daughters, she also often cared for her five grandchildren as they grew up. Her family was her pride and joy. She proudly celebrated all achievements and milestones. Her great-granddaughter Chloe brought her much happiness. Lena was an excellent cook and baker. Happy and loving memories were made when she cooked and hosted family dinners where family favourites were served and everyone taking leftovers home.

Lena was a member of St. Agnes Church, the Catholic Women's League and the Ladies Venet Society. She volunteered at many spaghetti take-out dinners at the DaVinci Centre. Lena had many special, long-time friends and neighbours that she cherished dearly and who provided much support in her later years.
Lena will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by her daughters Luisa (Adrian) Provenzano and Silva (Taras) Sawula. Grandchildren Anthony (Suzanne) Provenzano, Lauren Provenzano, Erica (Anthony) Talarico, Carleigh Sawula (Michael Lacaria), and Evan Sawula; great-grandchildren Chloe Provenzano and newborn, Claire Talarico. Lena is also survived by her sister Nella Narduzzi and numerous extended family members and friends in Italy, Australia and Canada. Lena is predeceased by her husband Tony; her parents Silvio and Lucia Pidutti, parents-in-law Davide and Elisa Buttazzoni, brothers Giuseppe and Vittorino Pidutti, sister-in-law Santina Battelino (Giuseppe), and brothers-in-law Giuseppi Narduzzi, Ordorico Bin and infant Ennio Buttazzoni.

We would like to express our gratitude to the staff at Hogarth Riverview Manor (Transitional Care Unit), Dr. Harris, Dr. Chan, Dr. Simpson, Dr. Skunta, and home nurse Paula. Special thanks to her compassionate family doctors, Dr. Reid and Dr. Nelson who visited Lena at home and provided much support.

A private family funeral service will be livestreamed to The Blake Funeral Chapel facebook page on Thursday, April 29, 2021 at 11 a.m. (https://www.facebook.com/BlakeFuneralChapel) In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital.