Lena Ida Defreese died peacefully at her home on June 24, 2004.
She was 93.
Lena Ida Defreese died peacefully at her home on June 24, 2004. She was 93.
She was born in Salinas on October 11, 1990.
Her early childhood was spent in Felton and in 1919 she and her family moved to Gilroy where she attended local schools and worked for Filice and Perelli Cannery. In 1930 she married Charles Defreese and moved to the San Luis Obispo County where Charles worked for Southern Pacific Railroad until his retirement, after which they moved back to Gilroy where Lena was a caretaker for her mother Zaira Maraccini until her death at 102.
She is survived by her sister, Mamie Sgheiza; niece, Anita Sciutto (George)’ grand nieces and nephews Elizabeth Robinson (Rich), Dustin and Nicholas, Jennifer Freese (Alan), Amanda, Shelby and Jack and Darrell Sciutto. She also is survived by relatives of her late husband Charles.
Mrs. Defreese will be buried with her husband at Gavilan Hills Memorial Park.
At her request, a private memorial service will be held.
