Lena Restivo Jackson's Obituary
Lena Restivo Jackson’s Obituary
Lena Annette Restivo Jackson, was a beloved wife, “little Italian doll,” mother, “Mama,” grandma, “Grama,” and great-grandma “Yaya,” during her incredible 94 years on this earth. She was born in Bryan, TX on September 11, 1928 and passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus, her Lord, on May 29, 2023 at 9pm. Lena grew up in Bryan, TX on a farm. Life on a farm was hard, but as the youngest of eight amazing children, she was often found playing with her corn cob dolls & bottle caps as people. Many years later, she graduated from Bryan High School. She and her friends and cousins loved to go dancing. The dance halls were hoppin’ back then, just as they still are today in College Station. One night, a young man named Joe Jackson, an Aggie & former Army paratrooper, was out dancing and in walked a well-dressed Italian wedding party. Joe saw Lena from across the room and asked his friends, “Who is that!?!?!” They answered, “Lena Restivo, she won’t dance with you, the Italians are too tight knit!” Joe went over there anyway, asking, “Lena, can I have this dance?” She said yes and they danced the night away. He didn’t get her number, but the next day, as he was driving down Texas Avenue, he saw her and her cousin on the opposite side. He stopped the car in the middle of the road and yelled out, “Lena!!! Let’s go dancing!” She and her cousin ran and jumped in, they went dancing and have been dancing ever since! Lena and Joe knew immediately that they had met the love of their lives! They married and soon welcomed a beautiful daughter, Myrtie and a handsome son Leslie Don. When Myrtie was about six months old, Lena went to work at A&M Exchange Bookstore. She missed her baby, but she loved it. A few days after working there, Joe brought Myrtie up for a visit. Upon seeing Myrtie’s beautiful curls now slicked back with men’s Vitalis Hair Oil, she instantly picked her up, quit, and never went back to “work.” She was a devoted mother and homemaker and did a stellar job at both! Most of her time was filled with family. She also enjoyed gardening (orange trees), canning, garden club, the Italian Club of Dallas, playing bridge, traveling, and dancing! Her real two passions were family and dancing. Lena and Joe were married over 72 loving years and spent them dancing all over: California, Hawaii, Missouri, Texas, France, and Italy. Any free time she had, she was filling her home with family and friends…. and the wonderful aroma of garlic cooking in one way or another. They also had many family members live with them throughout the years from every generation. It was such a blessing! She was the sweetest, most forgiving, loving, gentle, best whistler, could teach any kid to color in the lines, best dancer, always toe-tapping, always dressed to the 9s, praying daily for friends & family, and was always up for a game of solitaire, Boggle, or go fish with family. Within the last ten years, with all she went through, she would still (when possible) try to get down on the floor with her great grandchildren and engage them in any way. She lit up like a Christmas tree when they said her name or when she saw them. Every time a new great grandchild was born, it would seem to give her a great deal more energy and life. Lena will be missed deeply by so many, there would never be enough space or enough words to express our love for her. Over the last few years, she had begged at times to just go “home.” She wanted to be home with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her last days she was surrounded by family, laughter, hugs and kisses, and scripture being read. Just hours before, we were reading Revelation and what heaven looks like and the throne of God. She was ready. She breathed in and breathed out, gently and peacefully, without a sound.
"No guilt in life, no fear in death This is the power of Christ in me From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny No power of hell, no scheme of man Can ever pluck me from His hand Till He returns or calls me home Here in the power of Christ I'll stand"
Lena is survived by her wonderful, loving husband Joe of over 72 years, her daughter Myrtie Alexander and son, Les Jackson. She is also survived by two granddaughters, Stacey Golightly (Drew) and Amy Gardner (Josh) and five great grandchildren that were pure delight to her. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Pauline Restivo, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death, were her parents, Joseph Luke & Josephine Restivo; sisters: Lucy Vitanza, Katie Grizzaffi, Mary Saladiner, and Minnie Ponzio; her brothers: Sam, Joe, and Luke Restivo; her niece: Camella Joyce Vitanza; nephews: John Luke Restivo, Stevie Restivo, Paul Ponzio, and Luke James Restivo; great nephews: Matt McCarty and Jonathan Lenz. We would like to welcome you to Lena’s Celebration of Life service on Thursday, June 15, 2023 at 2pm. The service will be held at Restland Funeral Home, in the Memorial Chapel, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please donate to: www.stJosephshelpers.org a local pro life pregnancy center. She loved children dearly! OR www.familyplace.org a local domestic violence support for mothers and children.
The Jackson family is so very thankful for your abundant love, support, and prayers during this time!
What’s your fondest memory of Lena?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lena?
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Describe a day with Lena you’ll never forget.
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