Lana Momano
Share
Let the family know you care by sharing this tribute
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.
I always enjoyed waiting on Lana at Mr. Dominics. We had many laughs in that hour. She was a beautiful woman inside and out. Rest easy Lana. Nancy
One of the Great Theatre artists of Rochester.
Proud to have her in my life.
Make art with angels.
Lana was a truly great Lady. I enjoyed working with her many times through the years, and she was always a bright spot for me backstage. Her talent and her kindness will always be remembered. I have often thought about her through the years.
She will be missed.
May her memory bring comfort to all who knew & loved her.
Lana was one of the first person I met when I moved to Rochester. We lived in the same apartment complex. I enjoyed her friendship so much. I am so sorry she left this world. I know she is in a better place!
So sad to hear of Lana’s passing. We worked many shows together with costumes, quick changes, and so much else. After one particular show, she gave all the dressers a yellow rose in a pot. Later, I put that rose in the ground and it still lives and blooms today. I call it the “Lana Rose”. She was such a talented person, and it was a joy to watch her work her magic. I’m sure she’ll be missed by many people.
I had the privilege of getting to work with Lana in High school at Arcadia. Then JCC, Black Friars and Children’s Theatre. She was such a talented artist and made you shine when you were on stage either through your costume, your wig or your makeup. During my senior year, I had 5 wigs that I wore and so many people asked how did my hair go from up to down that quickly… the wigs were all so natural. I also got the privilege to help Lana costume beautify and the beast when I was in it. Getting to help see her create was a memory that I will cherish forever. I worked a few parties for her when she lived on the ridge. Passing out food to her family and friends. She was one of the most talented people I have ever known. Rest in Peace Lana.
I adored Lana, who was not only talented, but also one of the most lovely people to have in the dressing room and any room. She could put people at ease just with her presence. Her love lives on in so many.
What a beautiful tribute. Lana was so much fun to be around. I will always remember her as the life of the party at family picnics. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Lana, you are the most loving soul. I will cherish the beautiful memories. Rest now my friend❤️
I grew up next door to the Momano’s on Stone Road. Lana was like a second Mom to me because Carla and I bonded as life long friends. She always made things fun and my Mom did as well. Lana and my Mom bonded too sharing many happy times in our back yards making tents for us to play in and in my parents basement bar/restaurant that my Dad bulilt himself Carl and Lana had many great times. The houses along Stone Road were very tight in friendship and still are. Even tough we moved on from Stone Road we will always be in each others hearts as “forever neighbors” as I call it. Lana was a true artist, fun loving, took me to ride the horses she and Carl had whcih was a dream come true for me! She will forever be in my heart as a “mom” and in all those that she touched. I could write a book on all the happy times! I love Lana and her family so much and pray they find peace, especially Carla and Corey. God bless Lana and may God’s loving arms hold her for eternity. Amen