Obituary of Lena Leona Guaresimo

Lena Guaresimo, age 92, a resident of Village Manor Retirement Home in Hartland MI, passed away suddenly at SJMH Oakland on September 11, 2017. She suffered a massive stroke on Friday, Sept. 8, 2017 after enjoying a full day including lunch, shopping, and her exercise class. Lena was born Lena L. Wentland to Sophia and Gotfried "Fred" Wentland in Wilson Township, Alpena County, MI, on Dec. 11, 1924. She attended St. Paul Lutheran Church of Herron, MI, where she received her elementary education. She later attended County Normal, where she received a teaching certificate. She taught in the Alpena Public School System for many years. Lena was married to Bruce Collins and later to Anthony "Tony" Guaresimo of Gross Pointe, MI. She and Tony spent many happy years together. He preceded her in death, as did her parents, her sister Ida (Bishop), and her brother William. Following her retirement as a school teacher, Lena traveled to many exotic places, including Iceland, Greece, Malta, Antarctica, Brazil, the Azores, Australia, and Hawaii. She was an avid reader and loved to discuss the books she had just finished. She enjoyed board games, cards, crossword puzzles, trivia, and spelling bees. Volunteering was important to her. She made quilts for many years, worked at St. Johns Hospital in various capacities, and found other ways to help the homeless, needy, and less fortunate in her community. Lena is survived by her niece, Barbara (David) Peterson of St. Johns, MI, and nephews, Robert (Pamela) Bishop of Bath, MI, Ronald (Cheryl) Wintland of Linden, MI, Craig (Tina) Wintland of Mt. Pleasant, MI, and Phillip (Elaine) Wintland of Midland, MI. as well as many cousins and friends. Her beloved niece Charlene Brandenburg preceded her in death. Funeral service will be held at All Saints Lutheran Church, 12701 Highland Rd, Hartland, MI, on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017 at 11:00 am, with visitation prior to the service at 10:00 am. Reverend Denise Russell will officiate. A luncheon will follow at the church. Memorial contributions are suggested to Salem Memorial Lutheran Church on Chester and Moross in Detroit, MI. Please share a memory of Lena by signing her guestbook.