Nena Surace Amendolare
September 7, 1941 – February 14, 2024
On February 14, 2024, Nena Surace Amendolare, of Leesburg, decided to take her final bow after a sudden decline in health. Her departure comes as a great shock, and it is deeply felt by family members as well as her close circle of friends. She was eighty-two years old.
Nena was born September 7, 1941, in Watertown, New York to Anthony and Virginia Surace. An only child, she was adored by a larger-than-life collection of Italian aunts, uncles, and cousins who doted on her like a rock star.
Through one of those cousins, Nena met Andrew Amendolare, a sailor visiting his family while on leave. For Andrew, it was love at first sight. For Nena, not so much. Fortunately for their future children, Scott, Tegan, and Erin, Andrew won Nena’s heart, and the two married in 1962.
Anyone who knew Nena can attest that she had a strong faith in Christ and a deep devotion to the Church. Over the years she served the church in a variety of capacities, among them, administrative assistant, Eucharist minister, religious instructor, and teen music choir director with her husband Andrew. She served on numerous committees and care ministries.
Nena’s most cherished accomplishment was in the creation of a sunrise Easter service on the beach with the Holy Name of Jesus parish in Indialantic, Florida. A tradition that continues today. She accepted others with an open heart and open arms. Her passion was infectious.
Nena had an immense love for her family and expressed herself with an abundance of creativity. Everything her hand touched seemed to prosper. She passed down her love of classic movies and murder mysteries to her children who often joked Sherlock Holmes was her spirit animal.
Her red velvet cake was the best in the history of mankind.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the Beyers Funeral Home Chapel 1123 West Main St. in Leesburg. The family deeply appreciates your support during this difficult time and requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made in her name to the St. Jude Hospital for Children.
