Edwina "Winnie" Lens' Obituary
Edwina “Winnie” Lens, 82, of New Port Richey, FL, gently and peacefully passed from this life on January 13, 2025 after a hard and noble fought battle with her health.
Born on August 16, 1942 in New Brunswick, New Jersey to mother, Mary Samaro and father, Edward Donald Pastore, Winnie embraced a life filled with sunshine and adventure. She shared her childhood home with her parents and sister, Carol Biagi.
In 1959, she met Gerald “Jerry” Lens, and they wed in the spring of 1961. They had two beautiful children, Barbara (Joy) Manoleros and Debra (Deb) Soto, and relocated to Tampa Bay, Florida in 1975 where together they shared a deep love for boating and traveling until Jerry’s passing in 2006.
After working as an office manager and professional for many years, Winnie retired in 2004 and loved organizing celebrations with friends and family. She was well-known for her creative DIY decorating, designing, cooking and event planning skills. She enjoyed movies, shopping, and traveling with family and close friends. Winnie was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ and invested her time and talents to its ministry.
Winnie was predeceased by her parents, Mary Samaro and Edward Pastore, her husband, Jerry Lens, and sister, Carol Biagi. She leaves behind a loving family that includes her daughters, Barbara Manoleros of Yorktown, Virginia and Debra Soto of New Port Richey, Florida; Grandchildren Jeffry, Jacob, Jordan, Jonathan, Joanna, Rachel, and Benjamin; great grandchildren Andrew, Bridgette, Harvey, and Chloe; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews who will cherish her memory.
With her family and friends living across the country, Winnie’s desire was for each person that knew and loved her to remember her as they last saw her and to virtually share their fondest memories and pictures to celebrate her life. It was her desire that no formal memorial service be held for her. We encourage you to share your fondest memories that will help to comfort us as we feel this deep loss. May her legacy of love and joy bring comfort to all who knew her.
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