Fall River – Lena T. (Costa) Ramsay, age 93, passed away on Monday, May 29th at Brandon Woods of New Bedford.  Born in Fall River, she was the daughter of the late Manuel and Virginia (Camara) Costa. She was the loving wife of the late Frederick Paul Ramsay Jr.

Lena worked in the cotton mills as an inspector and presser.  Later in life she worked at Bishop Connolly High School in the cafeteria, then Durfee High School in the Special Education Department in the office and as a classroom aide/paraprofessional.  In 1955 Lena and Fred purchased their forever home and they watched that neighborhood grow and evolve from the few houses on farmlands and woods to what it is today. Lena later would end up befriending everyone in the neighborhood, becoming known as the neighborhood Mom, the go to when any issues would arise, or someone needed some sound advice. Lena had the special trait of getting anyone and everyone to enjoy her company and she sincerely cared about the folks she met along the way.  She was a very devout Catholic, and her involvement at her lifelong church, St. Michael's, found her volunteering at the Parish Bazaar, food pantry, soup kitchen, feast, bingo and as a church reader.  Lena had a rare gift, she was undoubtedly a kindhearted, good person as well as being able to exceed at anything she tried.  She was extraordinary at truly everything she put her mind out to do and was not afraid of working.  Lena raised not only four children, but also raised chickens and loved spending time outdoors where she tended to a beautiful, massive garden, ensuring that her family would always have fresh vegetables.  She also canned a variety of different home-grown vegetables to feed the family throughout the winter months.  Lena enjoyed crafting, especially during the holidays, as well as sewing and macramé which she passed along to her daughter, Patricia.  She not only was a truly incredible woman; she was tough, caring, talented and bright, not only in the way that she lit up a room but smarter than anyone could imagine.  Lena was also the most amazing, daughter, sister, wife, mother, bonus Mom, grandmother, great grandmother and friend anyone could ever ask for and she will be so deeply missed.

Lena is survived by her children; Frederick P. Ramsay III {Doc Ramsay} and his wife Sharon; Patricia DeNardo and her husband Mark; Michael Ramsay and Scott Ramsay and his wife Kim; she was the grandmother of 8 beautiful grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren whom she adored; many nieces and nephews and her bonus daughter, Betty Cahoon.  Besides the love of her life, Frederick and her parents, Lena was predeceased by her brothers; Anthony, Lionel, John, William, and James Costa; her sister Evelyn Botelho; her sisters who passed during the worldwide flu epidemic in 1918; as well as her beloved granddaughter, Amy DeNardo.

Her funeral will take place from the Manuel Rogers Funeral Home 1521 N. Main St. Fall River on Tuesday, June 6th at 9 A.M. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial St. Michael's Church at 10 A.M. Interment in St. Patrick's Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday, June 5th 4-7 P.M. To share a memory about Lena or offer a condolence to the family, please visit www.rogersfuneral.com