Jennie L. Lana died on Jan. 30, the morning of her 91st birthday, at Windemere Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Oak Bluffs with her daughter Susan Lana Shea and Susan's husband Mark Shea at her side.
Jennie ("Nikki") spoke often of her home in Aquinnah where she lived, first as a summer resident and then a year-round resident for over 50 years. Surrounded by her roses and beachplums, she loved sitting on her porch looking out at Vineyard Sound and the Elizabeth Islands. Nikki waited with anticipation each year for the springtime return of the ospreys to Lobsterville.
Jennie was predeceased by her husband, Albert Joseph Lana Sr., and they are interred in the Gay Head Cemetery near their dear friends Chief Donald Malonson and his wife, Patsy.
She is survived by her sisters, Sophie Silverio of Winsted, Conn., Margaret Ierardi of Farmington, Conn. She was predeceased by her sister, Frances Cassineri and brothers Paul, Steven, Edward and Raymond Lasewicz.
Jennie is also survived by her children, Barbara Curran and husband Joseph of Ft. Myer's Fla.; Albert Lana, Jr. and wife Anna, of Westbrook Conn.; John Lana and wife Anne of Cheshire, Conn.; Susan Lana Shea and husband Mark of Aquinnah; and Judy Peterson and husband Bob, of Underhill, Vt.
She is also survived by her grandchildren, Deborah Viglas, Joseph Curran, Albert Lana III, Shari Ciarleglio, Mary Shea, Ryan Shea, Jonathan Lana, Abigail Peterson, and Max Peterson. She also has many great-grandchildren that she loved dearly.
Funeral services were held on Feb. 2, at the Chapman, Cole, and Gleason funeral home followed by graveside services at the Gay Head Cemetery, Aquinnah.
Donations in Jennie's name may be made to The Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) and the Aquinnah Cultural Council, 10 Black Brooke Road, Aquinnah MA 02535 or to Windemere Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Linton Lane, Oak Bluffs MA 02557.
