Lena C. Brent

Lena Brent passed away October 14, 2024, while surrounded by her loved ones at the age of 98. She had strength and bravery while facing many hurdles of her declining health. It was God’s Will to have her live as long as she did. She was the heart of her family, leaving behind a legacy of love. She influenced everyone around her, teaching us that it didn’t cost anything to be nice to all those that crossed her path, always with a smile or a kind word. She was the beloved wife of the late William Vitale and then to her second husband, the late Warren Brent. Between both marriages, they enjoyed a blended family. They were blessed with four adoring children; Angela Marin, Nick Vitale, John (Carol) Brent, and Sara (Valentino) Simone. She was nurturing grandmother to Bill, Lauren (Ian), Chad (Danielle), Tony (Kristine), Emily (Kevin), Cristina, Val Jr. (Carlie), Joe (Liz), as well as 12 great-grandchildren; Tyler, Vivienne, Zoey, Grace, Joey, Jacob, Olivia, Ryan, Mila, Lucas, Mikey, and Joseph.

Born on June 22, 1926 in Wyandotte. She was first generation of being born in the United States. Her parents Vincenzo and Sera Bartalotta were humble immigrants from Sicily. Lena was one of nine brothers and sisters, the seventh child in the family. She is preceded in death by her siblings Josephine DiMaggio, Rose Migliaccio, Carmella Bartalotta, Sam Bartalotta, John Bartalotta, Philip Bartalotta, Joe Bartalotta, and Paul Bartalotta.

Lena grew up in Wyandotte. She learned cooking skills from her beloved mother including baking delicious Old-World cookies and pies. Lena attended Roosevelt High School and after graduation she worked in the office at Wyandotte Chemicals. She met William Vitale on a trip to New York and was married shortly after. They shared ten glorious years of marriage. Sadly, he passed away at the age of 33 years old, leaving Lena a widow with three young children. She persevered and began a career at the clothing store “Robert Halls”. She had a natural ability as a salesperson and her striking good looks helped her along the way. She went on to be the manager for the local florist where she developed many creative skills at designing.

Lena shared her love of the outdoors with her second husband Warren Brent, whom she was married to for 44 years. They built their dream cottage in Gaylord, Michigan where they spent many a day enjoying family and friends. Some of her favorite pastimes include fishing at the lake and catching frogs and turtles for her grandchildren. She taught them to have a reverence for nature. Throughout Lena and Warren’s marriage, Lena always had the pots boiling in her active kitchen preparing many traditional Italian dishes.

After Warren passed, she continued on for 14 years with great independence. She faced challenges with dignity and grace. This past year she moved into an assisted living community where she started a new chapter of her life. She made friends and became involved in every activity the facility had to offer. She was content there. Her life was one of kindness and determination. She forged a bond with her loved ones that was everlasting. It was an honor to have her for as many cherished years as we did. She was a treasured gem. Mom, we love you and we will all miss you dearly.

Visitation for Lena will take place on Thursday, October 17, 2024 from 2:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Trenton Chapel of The Martenson Family of Funeral Homes located at 3200 West Road, 48183. There will be a rosary service held that same evening at the funeral home at 6:30 p.m., followed promptly by a family sharing/eulogy time. The Mass of Resurrection will be held the following day, Friday, October 18, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church located at 2565 3rd St., 48183. In State 11:30 a.m. and Mass at noon, followed by a procession to Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Wyandotte, Michigan for interment.

Please visit Lena’s online guestbook to share memories and leave condolences for her family.