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06/30/2021 12:00 AMLena (Wandelear) Desmond, 103, of East Haven passed away peacefully at home June 26. She was born July 17, 1917, in Medford, MA, to William and Florence (DeBie) Wandelear.
Lena is survived by her loving and devoted daughter, Florence (Desmond) Driskell of East Haven; along with her grandchildren who she adored, Kathy Coleman, Lisa Dennis, Roberta Szeluga (Charles), and Roy Driskell. Lena is also survived by her twelve great-grandchildren; numerous great-great-grandchildren; and a daughter-in-law, Donna (Moreland) Desmond of East Haven. Lena is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ralph Desmond Sr. (1996); son, Ralph Desmond Jr. (2017); grandson, Harold Horn; sons-in-law, Harold R. Horn Jr. and Preston Driskell; and her siblings, Mary Peterson, Joseph Wandelear, Louis Wandelear, Matilda “Tillie” Pellegrino, Mena Midgley and Frank Wandelear.
Lena spent her career as a skilled clock maker in New Haven for over 30 years. While she enjoyed her work, her favorite hobbies were painting, crocheting, ceramics, and being a seamstress for her family. Lena loved her family more than anything else, and her nurturing qualities brightly shined in her every action. Lena was always outspoken and lively, bringing that extra “zest” to everyone’s day. Her life was full of love, laughter, and joy that she in turn brought to others through her fiery spirit.
Family received friends from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 30 in the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home (Clancy Funeral Home), East Haven with burial to follow at East Lawn Cemetery, East Haven. Donations may be made to CT Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405 or Smilow Cancer Center, 35 Park Street, New Haven CT 06511 in memory of Lena Desmond.