Luisa O. Calenda

Luisa O. Calenda, 90, of Kirkpatrick died Wednesday afternoon, July 25, 2012 at Marion Manor where she had resided for the past six months of illness.

Luisa was born August 4, 1921 in Villalba, Puerto Rico to the late José and Sista (Rivera) Orta. She finished high school and some business school before making her way to New York City in the 1950s where she worked as a dressmaker. In 1955, she received a letter from her mother telling her about a nice American sergeant named Joe who was a frequent visitor to the Orta's cantina. Sista told Joe her daughter was coming home at Christmas, so he bought a gift for Luisa, they fell in love and she married Joseph Calenda on her 35th birthday, August 4, 1956.

She and Joe raised their family in New York where Luisa was known for her kind, gentle spirit and taking care of those in need. After Joe's retirement, they moved to Ohio in 1993 to live closer to his brother. She became very close with fellow believers at Kirkpatrick Church of Christ and always had a camera ready to record special moments. Luisa was a simple lady who was kind to everyone she knew. She enjoyed riding anywhere Joe would take her, visiting her children in a number of states and going to restaurants or shopping.

Luisa is survived by her husband of nearly 56 years, Joseph Calenda; three children, Jacqueline Bailey of Farmers Branch, Texas, Elaine Calenda of Longmont, Colo. and Vincent Calenda of Ozone Park, Queens, N.Y.; two grandchildren, Vincent and Joseph Calenda; siblings, José Medin Orta, Amparo Orta and Josefina Orta, all of Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico and Nidia Orta of Columbus, Ga.

In addition to her parents, Luisa was preceded in death by her brother, Raul Orta and sister, Sista Orta.

Luisa's family will receive friends Sunday, July 29 from 2-5 p.m. at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus. Funeral services will be held in the Kirkpatrick Church of Christ Monday at 10:30 a.m. with Minister Don Kelley officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Kirkpatrick Church of Christ through the funeral home.



Visitation:

Sunday, July 29, 2012 2-5 p.m.

Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820



Service:

Monday, July 30, 2012 10:30 a.m.

Kirkpatrick Church of Christ, 5154 Columbus Sandusky Road N, Marion, Ohio 43302



Cemetery:

Oakwood Cemetery, 835 Kaler Ave., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820