Obituary: Saraceno, Lena Charlotte “Lee” (Bernson)
Lee is survived by her son William (Gayle) Saraceno of Pasco; Robert (Francine) Saraceno of Spokane Valley; Anne Saraceno of Portland, Janet (Gary) Berg of Spokane; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, as well as innumerable cousins, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.
Lee’s husband, Frank, preceded her in death in 2003.
Lee was the eldest of a large family, preceded in death by her sisters Louise Marsella and Viola Lindsay, brother Henry Bernson, and survived by her brothers, Victor and William Bernson, and sisters Hilda Longval and Celia Bernson.
Lee graduated from Vocational High School in Salem, MA in 1944.
Lee married Francisco “Frank” Enrico Saraceno on September 9, 1947.
Following Frank’s time at Washington State College (WSU) in Pullman, WA, they moved to Spokane to raise their family.
Lee was an active member of the community, volunteering on various activities at Our Lady of Fatima Parish.
Her talents included sewing vestments, reupholstering furniture, arranging the annual holiday bazaar, and attending innumerable school and church events and activities.
Lee also volunteered at St. Joseph Care Center (then known as Madison South) for five years.
Living far from her family of origin, Lee established a family of support for her children.
These relationships were invaluable and expanded the sense of family for each of her children.
Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and their friends and families were the recipients of her love, attention, and support.
Lee included many “almost grandchildren” in her life, resulting in an even wider reach of love and affection.
Lee was a skilled seamstress and known for her skill in knitting beautiful clothing and items for family and friends until her arthritis prevented her from continuing.
Her kitchen was known as a place where you could find a welcoming meal and conversation.
Her yard was full of children throughout the years and her garden was full of flowers.
Lee met many health challenges in her later life, including asthma, arthritis, osteoporosis, and finally Parkinson’s.
Visitation will be 1-4pm March 15 at Hennessey Funeral Home, followed by a 7pm Rosary at Our Lady of Fatima Church.
The funeral service will begin at 10am, March 16 at Our Lady of Fatima Church, followed by a reception at 11am.
The interment will be at Greenwood Memorial Park at 2pm.
The family is requesting donations be made to the National Parkinson’s Foundation.