Lana Momano

It is with a very heavy heart, that I share that my Mom; Lana Momano, went home to be with Jesus on Sunday, January 11. Lana is predeased by her parents John and Theresa Donnelly; her husband Carl J. Momano; her in laws; Carl S. Momano and Angelina Momano; and her son in law Jeraldo Hernandez. 

Lana is survived by her Sisters; Donna Donnelly, Debbie (Rick) Hann, Daughter Carla (Jeraldo) Hernandez; Son Corey Momano; Granddaughter Leecy Momano; and Leecy’s Mother Donna Leecy. Many nieces, nephews, friends, and theatre coworkers.

Lana was born in Ithaca NY where she grew up along with her parents and two sisters. She was always an artist; from paper dolls, to clay and drawing. She and her family moved to Rochester when she was a preteenager. After high school she attended beauty school where she obtained her hair dressing license. She dated Carl, and fell in love. She often talked about their first date; he took her woodchuck hunting! She said they didn’t “get” anything but they had fun together. Carl was in a band, worked for a successful printing company, a cool guy with a fabulous car. After their courtship, they were married and had two children; Carla and Corey. Lana loved being a Mother. Her goal was always to give her children the best upbringing possible. Lana put her children and family first. The home was filled with laughter and lots of animals, inside and out!

Later in life, Lana attended Brockport College and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts. Lana was always a fan of live theatre performances. She was a very successful Costume Designer and Wig Stylist for many local Rochester theatres, Blackfriar’s; Downstairs Cabaret; Rochester Children’s Theatre; TYKES; JCC, and also worked with many local high schools for their performances as well. She had one of the first, “work at home” careers! One of her favorite theatre runs, was, “Nunsense” where she appeared in the program, as “Sister Sequin”. Lana always said she was a caretaker, which is why she enjoyed her profession; she was making costumes that made the actors feel “good” while they were performing. Lana also styled wigs utilizing her hair dressing talents. 

Following the death of her husband; Lana became both Mother and Father to her adult children. Lana’s favorite title was, “Nana”. She loved being a Grandmother to her only Granddaughter, Leecy. Lana attended every school performance from grammar school on to hear Leecy sing; most times bringing her to tears. Lana brought Leecy to show rehearsals often so she was introduced to live theatre. Leecy performed in a few productions and was a ham on stage. Lana often said that her husband Carl would have been so proud of Leecy’s talent and singing career; and always hoped he could “see” her, since he was in a band and was a very talented guitar player and singer.

Lana was an avid gardener and took pride in her home. She collected antiques from an early age and always found a way to make something old new again; way before it was a common hobby as it is today. Lana knew how to entertain and she had many parties. Especially fun was the “shot shed” she offered which was an outdoor walk to the “Shot Shed” to drink spirits to ward off the cold temperatures. After Lana retired, she was content to spend time with her family, friends, and her faithful companion, “Daisy”; her golden retriever.  She always wanted to go see “her” lake which always included a stop for ice cream at Abbotts. Although she once loved to cook, she finally appreciated not having to do so on a daily basis; having Friday fish fries delivered was her favorite.  

Lana gave her heart to Jesus and is in heaven with her Lord and Savior. Our hope is in our eternal reunion with her and the saved souls that have gone before her.  Lana will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her. Her love for her family will continue to live through the memories she made with them and her commitment to unconditional love she taught. Per Lana’s wishes; there will be no calling ours.  A private service will be held for the immediate family.  Lana’s life will be celebrated, in the future, at a time convenient for the family.

Our family would like to thank Kirkhaven for the care they provided to Lana while she was a resident.  We also thank the Meeson Funeral home for their compassion during this most difficult time.