Lena "Neen" Roselia D'Angelo

Lena “Neen” Roselia D’Angelo passed away on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at the age of 97. Born in New Orleans, on October 19, 1925, Lena was the youngest child of Rosalia Romano D’ Angelo and Giovanni D’ Angelo. She was predeceased by her sisters and brothers, Mary D. Fasullo, Eleanora D. Glorioso, Frank D’Angelo, and Prospero D’ Angelo. She was a beloved aunt to numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews, and great-grand nieces and nephews.

Following graduation from Sophie B Wright High School in 1943, Lena embarked on a long career in the cosmetics and fashion industry. Her career began at D.H. Holmes on Canal St., where she sold women’s apparel and furs. After some years at Holmes, Lena moved to Dallas, TX, to work for Neiman Marcus. Lena’s early career afforded her opportunities to travel and live in various cities throughout the South and Southeast, which she fondly referred to as her “traveling years.” In 1960, she moved to Atlanta to become a guidance counselor at Patricia Stevens (now, Bauder Fashion College), where she mentored young women. She eventually transferred to Jacksonville, FL to open Bauder’s second school and managed sales and admissions. Lena was a leader in her era and helped many young women launch their careers.

Upon return to New Orleans and family in the late 1960s, Lena became the cosmetics buyer for the Fasullo Drug Store chain for many years. She later became a cosmetics buyer and salesperson at J.C. Penney (at the then, newly opened Promenade Mall), from where she eventually retired, … but not for long. Lena returned to work at Dillard’s Oakwood Mall and was twice honored with national awards as a top salesperson for Elizabeth Arden, before bringing her career to a close at 80 years of age.  She made many lifelong friends along the way and was regarded as both a mentor and an “adopted mother.” 

According to Lena, her life made a “right turn” in 1981, after attending her first bible study and church service at Berean Bible Church. This is where, in her words, she “learned the love of God, from the word of God.” She accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and was baptized on October 14, 1985.

Lena lived at Wynhoven Independent Living in Marrero La., for the last 22 years of her life. She will be missed by her loving family, her many caring friends at Wynhoven, her friends and church family at Berean Bible Church, and her devoted friends from the Westbank Women’s Connection, an affiliate of Stonecroft Ministries, of which she was a member for 35 years. 

In the final weeks of her life, a steady stream of friends and family visited daily, keeping watch over her as she prepared for her eternal journey. Lena often said, “I always wanted to grow old gracefully.” And that she did.

Funeral services will be held at MOTHE FUNERAL HOME in Harvey, LA on Thursday morning, June 8^th. Visitation will be held from 9:30AM - 11:00AM, with services in the chapel, starting at 11:00AM. Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Metairie. In lieu of flowers, donations in Lena’s memory can be made to Berean Bible Church, 3712 Herschel St., New Orleans, LA 70114 or to Gideon Bibles.

Family and friends may offer condolences at mothefunerals.com.