Lena Giardina Shambra

Lena Giardina Shambra, a homemaker and resident of Gretna was born on December 25, 1927. Lena left this earth to be with our Lord on Thursday, July 13, 2017 at the age of 89. Lena was a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, grandmother, great-grandmother and most of all mother. She is survived by two daughters, Beleta Bischoff and husband Keith and Ethel Jo Balestra; three grandchildren, Brian and Brianne Balestra and Kori Versaw; five great-grandchildren, Brian and Bryn Balestra, Lena Versaw, Bella and Brielle Nguyen. She is preceded in death by her husband, Martin Charles Shambra, Sr., her son Martin Charles Shambra, Jr., parents Lena and Leon Giardina and her brother Joseph Giardina. Family and friends were everything to Lena. She had many loyal friends who she met for breakfast on almost a daily basis through what she called her "breakfast club." She also looked forward to monthly luncheons with her friends and other special get togethers. Above all, Lena's family was the most important aspect of her life. She always wanted to make sure everyone had everything they needed. She worried endlessly about the well being of everyone in her family. In addition, her birthday celebration on Christmas day was something she looked forward to every year. The cake, candles and everything that went with it. You could not miss her birthday. Over the years, Lena was an avid golfer, tennis player and bowler. She loved watching sports on TV and rooting for her favorite team or player. She was also an excellent seamstress and cook. She will be remembered most by her family for all of the wonderful home cooked meals especially her Lasagna and her love for having the family together. Lena will be sadly missed by her family and friends but she will never be forgotten. She will always be close to our hearts. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Memorial Mass in the chapel of Mothe Funeral Home, 2100 Westbank Expwy., Harvey, LA on Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at 11am. Interment, Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. A Memorial Visitation will be held Tuesday morning at the funeral home from 10am until 11am. Family and friends may view and sign the online guest book at www.mothefunerals.com .