| Date of Birth | June 24, 1931 |
| Passed Away | January 22, 2019 |
| Place of Residence | Hornell |
| Home State | N.Y. |
| Service Date | January 28, 2019 |
| Service Time | 1:30 p.m. |
| Service Location | St. Ann's Church, Hornell |
| Interment Location | St. Mary's Cemetery, Town of Fremont |
Leona J. Dessena
HORNELL-On Tuesday (Jan. 22, 2019) Leona J. Dessena, 87, of Sawyer Street, formerly of Davenport Street, passed away and was taken home to rest in peace with God and her other family members. She is surely singing with the Angels.
Born in Hornell on June 24, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Joseph A. and Maria (DeGaetano) Dessena and the step daughter of the late Teresa (Scaglione) Dessena. Besides her parents, she was also predeceased by her brother, John Dessena; throughout the years she lovingly cared for her parents and her brother.
A lifelong resident of Hornell, Leona was a graduate of Hornell High School, class of 1949. After graduating she became employed as a medical secretary for the late Dr. Swan in Hornell and later as an operator for the Telephone Company in Hornell; she was one of those ladies saying “number please.†Before she eventually retired she was employed for 33 years at Steuben Trust Company in Hornell.
Leona was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and was a long time, devout communicant of St. Ann’s Church in Hornell where she volunteered with the “cleaning crew†and spent many loving hours singing in the choir. She was noted for her complete love and trust in God and proudly stated this love often.
For many years she sang for community events, weddings, funerals, family gatherings and with the Sweet Adeline’s. Unknown to many she loved baseball and a few of her last remarks were quotes of Joe DiMaggio. Leona also had a wonderful sense of humor and was noted for her writing ability; many people in the community have read or received a poem written personally for them.
Her loving family includes her brother, Joseph and his wife, Adele Dessena of Hornell; also her many nieces, nephews and cousins; as well as other family members who will keep her close in their hearts.
The Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc. in Hornell is honored to serve the family of Leona J. Dessena.
Calling hours are 1-3 p.m. Sunday (Jan. 27, 2019) at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 285 Main St., Hornell. Relatives and friend are invited to join her family at St. Ann’s Church in Hornell where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:30 p.m. Monday (Jan. 28, 2019). Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont, at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in her memory to St. Ann’s Academy, P.O. Box 446, Hornell, N.Y. 14843. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.
Online condolences or remembrances of Leona are welcomed on the Facebook page of Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc.
Leona, You will always hold such a special place in my heart. I could not have had a better Godmother. Your love and faith in God will be something I will always remember. I was just reading the book of poems you gave me a few weeks ago and will cherish those forever. Rest and knowing not only are you an Angel in Heaven, you were an Angel on Earth. Love you, Gigi
Have not seen my cousin Leona in a great many years but always recall her pleasant personality and happiness at family gatherings. May she Rest In Peace.