Lena Cappadona

Lena Cappadona, age 90, of Westwood, formerly of Ridgefield, passed away peacefully after a brief illness. Born in Neirone, in the province of Genoa, Italy, Lena was the cherished daughter of Matthew and Rose Gardella. She immigrated to the United States as a teenager following World War II, arriving with courage and determination, and without speaking English. In 1961, she married the love of her life, Joe, and together they lived the true American dream, bought a house and raised three children. Lena was a dedicated and loving mother, and later, a proud and adoring grandmother whose home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and the best Italian food. After the heartbreaking loss of her beloved husband in the prime of their lives, Lena showed remarkable strength. Determined to remain active and independent, she returned to the workforce, trying several roles before finding her place as a sales associate at Lord & Taylor, where she took pride in her work and formed lasting friendships. She traveled extensively, including many pilgrimages with the Holy Rosary Society of Saint Nicholas Church, embracing both devotion and adventure with equal enthusiasm. From a sunset dinner at the Eiffel Tower to dipping her toes in the Dead Sea to riding a camel in Jerusalem to Holland where she saw beautiful fields of flowers. Two of Lena’s favorite hobbies were sewing and cooking. She would often sew her children’s clothes and hem or stitch any and everything, including socks! In the kitchen, her Bolognese and Pesto sauces became family favorites, and she faithfully passed down her most treasured traditions. She spoke beautiful Italian and was deeply proud of her heritage, instilling in her children and grandchildren a lasting appreciation for their roots. Determined that her children would know where they came from, she took them to Italy for one month, sharing her history and the family ties that meant so much to her. Lena is lovingly survived by her daughter Nadia and son-in-law Giuseppe; her son Joseph; her daughter Liana and son-in-law Dennis; and her five cherished grandchildren, Liana and her husband Casey, Dominick, Jacqueline, Isabella, and Sofia. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, George Mestrov, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Joseph; her sister, Helen Mestrov, and her brother, Charles Gardella. Lena’s life was a testament to resilience, perseverance, devotion, generosity, and enduring love. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her family and all who were blessed to know her.

Lena Cappadona

November 30, 1935 - February 28, 2026