Pasqualina "Lena" Mcshane

Pasqualina “Lena” McShane, 78, Portland Passed away Tuesday afternoon March 23, 2021 at her home with family nearby.

Lena was born in Furnari, Sicily, Italy on August 2, 1942. She was the daughter of late Filipo and Antonina LaMacchia. She immigrated to the United States at the age of 12 and was adopted by her beloved aunt and uncle Giovanni and Pasqua Graci of Akron Ohio.

Education and learning was a priority for Lena throughout her life. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Akron Ohio and attended Akron University and Kent State University. Lena married David R McShane on May 1, 1965, who survives.

Lena and family relocated from Davis, California to Portland Indiana, arriving in 1975. She was a devoted staff member at Jay Randolph Developmental Services working in direct care and later as a program director. Continuing until the time of her death, she served as an advocate and friend to adults with disabilities in the community. Supporting equity and access for adults with disabilities was her life’s passion.

Lena’s love for the ‘Dolce Vita’, the sweet life, showed itself in the large vegetable and flower gardens she kept each year. She enjoyed sharing the bounty she grew with her friends and family.  Family was her center and she dedicated herself to her Sicilian and American families. Lena valued her community and served in many local organizations including Cincinnatus League, the Plant, Hoe and Hope Garden Club, Tri Kappa, and the Red Hat Society.

Lena is survived by her husband of 55 years, David R. McShane, her son, John (wife Beth) of Portland, daughter Michelle Caponigro (husband Chris) of Sammamish, Washington, daughter-in-law Michelle McShane, six grandchildren, and her brother Peter LaMacchia, Buffalo, New York. Her beloved son, James, preceded her in death.

Private family visitation will be held on Friday at Williamson-Spencer and Penrod Funeral Home in Portland.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Portland.  Burial will follow at Green Park Cemetery in Portland.

In lieu of flowers, Lena asks friends to plant a tree to beautify our world.

Arrangements entrusted to Williamson-Spencer and Penrod Funeral Home in Portland.