Lena Dejoy

Lena Mae (Cimino) DeJoy passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on April 20, 2023 at the age of 95.  She was born to Mary and Domenic Cimino on May 18, 1927 in Jansen, CO, the eleventh of twelve children.

Lena is survived by her step children and their spouses Augie and Aimee DeJoy, their children Alexandria DeJoy and Adrienne (Hayden) DeJoy; Bridget and Mark Fleecs and their children Lauren (Clark) Draper, Sidney (Jonnie) Fleecs and Harrison Fleecs; and great grandson Chance Draper. Her sister-in-law Marge Cimino and many nieces and nephews survive as well.

She is preceded in death by her husband Charlie DeJoy,  parents Mary & Domenic Cimino, all of her siblings: Vince (Vera), Fay (Tony) Antista, Frances (Joe) Antista, Nick (Evelyn) Cimino, infant Rose Cimino, Tom (Lena) Cimino, Frank (Lucille) Cimino, Rose (John) Galasso, Carl (Tessa) Cimino, Sarah (Sam) Ringo, and Dominic Cimino as well as many nieces and nephews.  She was also preceded in death by sisters and brothers-in-laws Clara (Charles) Frankmore, Newton (Francis) DeJoy, Paul (Sara) DeJoy, Joseph (Eileen) DeJoy, Samuel DeJoy, Mary (Richard)Fitzpatrick, Anthony “Brick” DeJoy, Lucille (Frank) Cimino, and Christine (Eddie) Hren.

She began working in the commissary of a nearby POW camp while still in high school.  Following graduation from Holy Trinity Catholic High School in 1945, she was hired as a secretary at KCRT Radio Station, a job she always considered her favorite.  In 1950, she moved to Denver, working briefly for an employment agency until she began a long career as a secretary for the Colorado State Patrol. She returned to Trinidad briefly when her oldest brother Vince died, to be near her parents and her newly widowed sister-in-law Vera.  She soon returned to Denver and resumed her career at the Colorado State Patrol where she worked for 20 years.

After several years as a glamorous single ‘career girl’, Lena reconnected with Charlie DeJoy, her boyfriend from years past, and they were married in 1973.  Lena was thrilled to have Charlie’s 2 children from a previous marriage in her life. After their marriage, she joined Charlie in Petaluma, California, and was employed by Marin County in a similar role for 20 years before retiring.   After her retirement, she became a volunteer with the St. Vincent Young Ladies International (YLI).  She was actively involved with YLI for 25 years and considered that service as her greatest accomplishment.

In 2007, Charlie and Lena moved back to Colorado to be closer to family.  Lena was delighted to be closer to many of her family and to spend more time with her children and grandchildren. After settling into the city of Littleton, Lena became involved with the rosary making group at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church.  Through this ministry she made new friends who stayed by her side although she was no longer able to participate in the making of Rosaries.

Following Charlie’s death, Lena moved to the Brookdale Assisted Living facility in 2015, where she formed many new friendships.  She enjoyed socializing and taking part in activities such as jewelry making. She was a devoted participant in her bible study group. No matter where Lena lived or worked, she made friends whom she treated as family. She remained in contact with them and kept them close to her heart through visits, phone calls, words of encouragement as well as prayers.  Her days were filled with phone calls from children, nieces, nephews, friends and relatives who provided love and support.  Most recently, she delighted in seeing updated family photos on her new digital frame. The family is especially grateful to Lena’s caregivers at Brookdale/Littleton and the HealthOne Hospice nurses and staff who treated her as their family.

The constants in her life were her strong faith and love for her family and friends.  She had a special devotion to St. Therese of Lisieux, our Blessed Mother and St. Joseph.  Until the end, she set her alarm for 4 a.m. to make sure she made time for all her prayers.  When she could no longer attend Mass in person, she tuned in to Sunday Mass on television.

Funeral arrangements:

Recitation of the Holy Rosary, Monday May 22, 2023,  9 a.m.

Horan & McConaty Funeral Home

3101 South Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood, CO  80227

Mass of Christian Burial, Monday May 22, 2023, 10:30 a.m.

St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church

6673 W. Chatfield Avenue, Littleton, CO  80128

Inurnment, Tuesday May 23, 2023, 9:15 a.m., Staging Area A

Fort Logan National Cemetery

4400 Kenyon Avenue, Denver, CO  80236

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lena’s name to Mt. Carmel Wellness Center  mt.carmelcenter.org/donate-1,  St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, 6673 W. Chatfield Avenue, Littleton, CO  80123 or Catholic Charities of Denver https://ccdenver.org/donate/#giveonce