Pasqualena "Lena" (Cataldo) Michael

Pasqualena “Lena” Michael, 96, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and mother-in-law, formerly of 295 Koehler Dr., Sharpsville, passed away Wednesday, November 9, 2016 in St. John XXIII Home, Hermitage, with daughter Mary Michael at her side.

Lena wasan extraordinary woman who enriched the lives of those who knew and loved her. All those on the receiving end will forever remember her famous “Lena smile” that seemingly could light up all of Mercer County.
Lena was born October 18, 1920, in Toledo, OH, to Nicholas and Teresa (Penna) Cataldo. Lena lived and attended school in East Toledo surrounded by a strong Italian neighborhood.
She also spent time as a child in Castro dei Volsci, Italy, the
hometown of her parents, returning to the United States after the death of her father. She later worked as a “Rosie the Riveter” at the Spicer Manufacturing Company plant in Toledo replacing men who were serving in World War II.
She married the love of her life, Albert P. Michael, in Toledo on
October 23, 1943, and moved to Sharpsville. They began the
L&M Bakery along with a successful catering business. The L&M motto was “Home baked goods--Fresh every day.”
Lena always said her family was her greatest achievement in life. Lena loved and was proud of every family member. She was a former long-time member of St. Bartholomew’s Church in Sharpsville and active member of its Holy Rosary
Society.
When Kennedy Christian High School opened in 1966, she helped plan food service and cooked in the school’s kitchen. Many former Kennedy students fondly remember Lena for her homemade pizza, bread, rolls, cakes, and pies.
Lena lived a life of hard work, honesty, and compassion for others. At age 52, Lena endured the death of her husband and her mother within four months. She continued a full-time job at General American Transportation Corp. to supplement her full-time catering business.
Lena was meticulous in her work both inside and outside of her home. Nothing left Lena’s kitchen until it met her high standards. She had the ability to concoct a fabulous meal for two or three, 30, or 300. Many people still remember their wedding reception, graduation party, or other special occasion by the high quality and heaping quantity of food catered by Lena. Christmas cookies were another of Lena’s specialties as she baked thousands of the tasty morsels annually for years. Lena said her one special ingredient was “love” in all recipes.
Though prideful, Lena was humble and uneasy in accepting compliments on her world-class cooking and continuous hard work. “I’m just Lena” was her response when hearing praise.    
Love, joy, friendship, laughter and plenty of good food were a constant in the Michael home with the flat roof on Koehler.
Friends and classmates of the Michael children were always welcome and Albert and Lena hosted many meals and parties for their numerous church and Sharpsville bowling league friends. Sunday meals and holidays in the Michael home were always special with Lena’s culinary specialties.
At one time Lena kept current on news by reading three newspapers a day and watching numerous television newscasts and C-SPAN. She was an avid and informed fan of Pittsburgh professional sports teams and of Notre Dame football. Lena knew as much or more than most male sports fans about game strategy, coaching philosophy, team rosters, and up-to-date news. Anyone watching a sporting event with Lena was advised to stay quiet and be on their toes.
A proud member of our country’s greatest generation, Lena had a strong strength of character, keen sense of humor, and a contagious zest for life. Wheelchair-bound for her last 10 ½ years, Lena made the most of that part of her life by dropping pearls of wisdom on her family, residents and employees of St. John XXIII, or whomever happened to be nearby.
Lena will be greatly missed by surviving family members including three daughters, Mrs. Patricia (William) Maykowski, of Uniontown, OH; Mrs. Cynthia (Michael) Avers, of Elmore, OH; and Mrs. Mary Teresa Michael (Dick Davis), of Sharpsville; eight grandchildren: Dr. Carrie Maykowski Cannon (Al Sartoris), Pittsburgh; David Michael (Brenda Foster), Manassas Park, VA; Albert Michael (Kim), Reston, VA; Mrs. Lori Goff (Jerry), Denver, CO; Michael Maykowski (Heather), Sharpsville; Mrs. Brandi Michael Billett (Tim Billett), Virginia Beach, VA; Paul Avers, Elmore, OH; and Robert Avers (Sarah), Oberlin, OH; and six great-grandchildren: Melody Michael, Manassas Park, VA; Peter and Owen Garraty, Virginia Beach, VA; and Paige, Will, and Marisa Maykowski, Sharpsville.  

Lena was preceded in death by her parents, husband Albert P. Michael, son Albert Michael and two other infant sons, grandchild William Michael Maykowski, brother Angelo Cataldo, sisters Anna Perfili and Laura Rosati, and members of the Michael family, formerly of 10th St., Sharpsville. Her three siblings lived at least into their late 80s.
Special recognition goes to Lena’s beloved friends and affectionate caregivers Kim Cheney and Flossie Miller, along with Donna and Joe DeMay for their weekly cards of love and cheer.
A heartfelt thank you for Lena’s care goes to Dr. Gregory George, Dr. Gene Marcelli, Dr. Charles D’Auria, Dr. Peter Daloni, nurse wound specialists Bob Hoagland and Carol Gallagher, the staff of St. John XXIII, and to McGonigle Ambulance Service for treating Lena like royalty during countless trips around the Shenango Valley.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John XXX III Home, 2250 Shenango Valley Freeway Hermitage, PA.

Friends may call Saturday November 12th, 2016 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm in Saint John XXIII Nursing Home.
Mass will be held Saturday November 12th, 2016 at 1:00 pm with Father David Carter, officiating.
Burial will take place in St. Mary’s Cemetery Hermitage, PA

Arrangements entrusted to the Stephen J. SHERMAN Funeral Home & Cremation Service

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