Worcester: Rena T. (Brighenti) Gleason, 78, passed away on Sunday, November 19, 2017 after a brief illness. She leaves a daughter and son-in-law Kelly and John Sullivan and their daughter Bailey with whom she lived; 3 sons- Kris Gleason of Alaska, Kevin Gleason and his wife Terry, of South Carolina, and Keith Gleason of Florida; 6 grandchildren- Jamie, Jason, Alicia, Katelynn, Grace, and Bailey; 3 great-grandchildren; Ayden, Karah, and Emma,and was looking forward to her 4th great grandchild to be born in April 2018, a sister Norma Tokoly; and many nieces and nephews, godchildren,cousins, many friends and her "adopted bonus daughter" Dana Lagrotteria. Rena also leaves her very best friend Sharon Coleman of Saratoga Springs,NY and her life long friend Barbara Thomas of Otis,MA- both of whom she loved dearly. She was predeceased by her husband of 41 years- Robert S. Gleason, and by her two brothers- James and William Brighenti.
Rena was born in Lee, daughter of the late Marshall and Lena (Cadenelli) Brighenti. She graduated from Lee High School in 1958 and from the former Henry W. Bishop, 3rd Memorial School of Nursing in Pittsfield, MA in 1961. She had an illustrious career as a nurse that spanned over 40 years in Berkshire County, Florida and South Carolina and in variety of nursing positions. But her real passion was being a "psych nurse"- a nursing job not every one wanted but Rena thrived on! Rena was a caring, compassionate and dedicated nurse and was loved by her patients and colleagues alike.
Rena spent many years volunteering her time as a school nurse at St. Mary's School in Lee while her children attended school the school. Rena was a Den Mother for both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts in Lee and was a 4-H leader for many years.
Rena was an avid sports fan and enjoyed all Boston sports teams, she watched almost all Bruin and Celtic's games on TV. She still held a fondness for her Miami Dolphins from her time Florida but her heart belonged to the Patriot's! Rena loved NASCAR as well.
Rena was very a faithful and devout Catholic. Rena was a prayer warrior for all. She spent many hours a day saying the rosary for friends and family. Rena loved her family and friends and spent much time writing letters, texting and emailing them. She also had kept on her father's legacy of giving two dollars bills to the youngest generation of nieces and nephews and grandchildren. Rena has always been the keeper of the Cadenelli and Brighenti family history and rarely missed a birthday, anniversary or other milestone date.
Rena is surely in the arms of our Lord right now and He is saying; " well done- good and faithful servant"!
Rena was loved by many- friends and family alike and will be missed greatly by all who knew her.
In keeping with Rena's wishes, all services will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rena's memory may be made to St. Mary's Church, 140 Main St. Lee, Massachusetts 01238. To leave an online condolence message, please click link.