Lena (Zambito) DeSantis, 94, of Lewiston NY died on Wednesday December 9, 2009 at Fairchild Manor Nursing Home in Lewiston, NY. Born in the Little Italy area of New York City, she was the daughter of the late Cosmo and Antoinette (Pinnola) Zambito.

Lena came to Niagara Falls as a child with her family residing on 16th Street until moving to Lewiston four years ago. She attended local schools including Tenth Street School and Trott Vocational High School. She was employed at the former International Wall Paper Company and also worked for Niagara County Board of Elections. On June 25, 1938 Lena married John W. DeSantis at St. Joseph Church in Niagara Falls. Mr. DeSantis predeceased her in 1992. For over fifty years, Lena was an active member of the former Our Lady of Lebanon Church in Niagara Falls, and was a member of their Altar and Rosary Society. While her children were in school, she was also involved in the parent groups at Our Lady of Lebanon and Ferry Avenue Schools. Lena was a member of the Cristoforo Columbo Society in Niagara Falls and fifty year member of her Wednesday night canasta card group. Lena was a devout Catholic, and advocate of St. Jude and St. Anthony. In her leisure time, she enjoyed going to the casino, playing cards, cooking and entertaining; but most of all, Lena's greatest pleasure was being with her family.

Mrs. DeSantis is survived by her two children, JoAnn (William) Carpenter and John 'Butch' DeSantis both of Lewiston, NY; two step-grandchildren Lori Jagow and Becky Johnson, several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, many close friends whom she considered to be family, and her best friend and companion pet dog Sparky. Mrs. DeSantis was also predeceased by three brothers and two sisters, Charles (late Carmella) (Maxine Trippensee) Zambito, Elizabeth (late Augustino) Pontecorvo, Anthony Zambito, Angeline Zambito and Angelo Zambito.

Friends may call on Sunday from 2 – 5 p.m. at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday December 14th at 10 a.m. at St. Peter's Church, 620 Center Street, Lewiston, NY with Rev. Sebastian Pierro officiating. EVERYONE PLEASE ASSEMBLE AT CHURCH. Interment will be held in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. If desired, memorial donations can be made to St. Jude Shrine, 975 Ridge Road, Lewiston, NY 14092, Our Lady of Fatima Shrine 1023 Swann Road Lewiston, NY 14092 or Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport, NY 14094.