Portuguese Research & Education, Inc.

Lena was born on July 20, 1926 in Hanford, California, where she lived until after World War II, when she married John Gregory Correia and moved to San Diego, which became their lifelong home. Once settling in the North Park area, she worked as a bookkeeper for various companies including Marston's, Breast of Chicken and G.S. Parson's. It was there they saved for their first house and started their family. As the family grew, Lena stayed at home and focused on raising her children Sue, Greg and John. In 1968, John started Progressive Steel, and Lena did the bookkeeping for the business from home. By this time, they also had built, lived in, and sold a few custom homes in the La Mesa area. One of Lena's true passions in life was the design and building of a home, then the interior decorating of it. Throughout their lives, they either built or remodeled a number of homes, each with its own personality, and Lena's own style. As Lena's busy life continued, she and John found many interests, of which traveling became one. Throughout their middle years, they traveled the world extensively bringing home many slides and pictures as memories. The two of them were great adventurers and always looked forward to their next vacation. She was also active with St. Madeleine Sophie's Auxiliary for a number of years and forged many long lasting friendships from that service. Lena and John had a long, happy retirement. They bought property in their hometown, Hanford, where they built a home and planted 20 acres of walnut and almond trees, all the while commuting back and forth from San Diego. She loved working in her yard and tending to her beloved roses. In her later years, Lena devotedly cared for John at home after he suffered a stroke in 1998. They lived a peaceful existence here in Fletcher Hills until John's death last August. Lena passed away on Sunday, February 7, 2010, in hospice after battling with cancer. She is survived by children Sue, Greg, and John and grandchildren, Matt, Scott, Laura, and Becky. Services will be held Monday, February 15th, at Our Lady of Grace, El Cajon. Viewing will begin at 10 a.m. Rosary at 10:30, Mass at 11 a.m. A reception will follow Mass in the parish hall, interment thereafter at Holy Cross Cemetery. Donations may be given in Lena's name to Sharp Hospice, P.O. Box 1750, La Mesa 91944-1750, or click here. On the "where you can give" tab click "Lakeview/Parkview" Hospice Homes."