Lena A. Vendrillo, 91, of Lewiston, NY passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 2, 2021 at Our Lady of Peace Nursing Care Residence. The middle child and only daughter of the late Nicholas and Sandra (nee Sardella) Celenza, she was born on October 27, 1929 in Niagara Falls, NY and raised on the North End of town.

Proud of being a child of Italian immigrants, Lena would go on to share memories of her humble beginnings and of teaching her parents basic English as she herself was learning each day at school. As the years passed, she remained supportive and loyal to them both until the day they died.

Lena graduated from Niagara Falls High School in 1947 and maintained close friendships throughout her life with those she met as far back as early childhood. Among those childhood friends was Peter J. Vendrillo, the one and only love of Lena's life, who also happened to be the best friend of her older brother. Upon his return from active service with the U.S. Army, Lena and Peter were married on February 18, 1950. Their marriage lasted for over 68 years until his passing on October 22, 2018. Together they raised a daughter and son, making their home on Weston Avenue in Niagara Falls until moving to James Drive in Lewiston in the summer of 1971.

Lena worked at several jobs with local companies prior to starting her nearly 32 year career as a Library Clerk with a division of the NYS Public Library System. She and Peter had a wonderful life that included travel with their children, weekend trips to beaches on the Canadian side of Lake Erie, and later incorporated winter vacations to Florida. After retirement, they went on to become official "snow birds" for nearly 20 years to Deerfield Beach in South Florida.

It was said that as a youth with her amber red hair and freckles, she had a matching personality - which is a characteristic that would describe her until the end. Her tiny stature never held her back and Lena started mothering all those around her at a young age. Everyone knew that Lena was the boss, and she would go on to be affectionately coined "The Sarge." Lena always took charge with the best intentions, was a true social butterfly, and made sure to take care of everyone she loved. She excelled at entertaining and being the life of the party, having an extraordinary gift of making all feel welcomed and comfortable. The strong friendships she developed at every stage of life were everlasting and forever cherished.

She was a passionate and knowledgeable, but realistic, Buffalo Bills fan since their beginning. Over the years Lena especially enjoyed watching them with her son. If separated on game day, it was not uncommon that they would call one another numerous times throughout to discuss it in real time.

In addition to her husband and parents, Lena was predeceased by her brothers, Joseph (late Virginia) Celenza and Louis Celenza; and mother-in-law, Christine (nee Pirolli) Vendrillo.

Lena is survived by her two children, Carol (Alice Perlman) Vendrillo of Sebastopol, CA and Peter N. (Marion) Vendrillo of St. Catharines, Ontario; three grandchildren, Marina Vendrillo of Lewiston, NY, Zia Grossman-Vendrillo of Berkeley, CA, and Lucas Vendrillo of Comer, GA; and two nieces and six nephews.

Having enjoyed a wide circle of neighbors and friends, fondest memories are left with lifetime friends Kathleen "Tootie" Mariglio, Corrine and Anthony "Muzzy" Musolino, Lena and Norbert Barkwell, and Mary Ann Fernandez. Above all, Lena was devoted to her family and friends and made sure to consistently encourage them to stand strong and thrive. Her legacy will live on through all the hearts she touched.

The family is extremely grateful to Lena's Hospice and Our Lady of Peace care staff, especially over the past 10 months, and a special thank you is extended to them all.

A proper Mass of Christian Burial and celebration of Lena's life will be held at a future date when it is safe and convenient for all to attend due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Entombment was held privately on Tuesday, January 5 in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Lewiston, NY. ARRANGEMENTS BY M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.

If desired, memorial donations in Lena's name can be made to Niagara Hospice in Lockport, NY or to Our Lady of Peace in Lewiston, NY.