Lena O’Nan of Paducah, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2025, at the age of 83.
Born on December 20, 1941, in Marshall County, Kentucky, Lena grew up in Paducah, where she was an excellent student and actively involved in school activities. She attended Andrew Jackson Grade School, Brazelton Middle School, and Paducah Tilghman High School, graduating in 1959. During her high school years, she was cherished by friends and classmates and was an active member of a sorority.
In 1960, Lena married the love of her life, John Lawrence O’Nan. Together, they raised three children: Laurie, Joni and Barry. Lena’s children and grandchildren were the light of her life, and she was a devoted mother and grandmother, affectionately known as "Mimi" to her beloved grandkids. She was a true advocate for her children and grandchildren, and her home on Holly Drive was a place of warmth and love, often filled with the laughter and joy of her children’s friends who were welcomed as family.
Lena was a long-time active member of St. Thomas More Church, where she made lasting connections with her community. Professionally, she was a dedicated and skilled administrative assistant in the Commonwealth Attorney’s office in McCracken County. Her exceptional organizational skills and leadership abilities earned her the reputation as a superb legal secretary and office manager.
An adventurous spirit, Lena enjoyed organizing family trips, particularly to the beaches of Florida, where she spent countless hours collecting seashells. St. George Island was a special place for her, where she and Johnny often spent extended vacations. She had a creative soul and was passionate about crafts, from knitting and sewing to painting, creating cherished mementos for her family. Lena was also an accomplished cook and baker, and her recipes are treasured by all who had the pleasure of enjoying her meals.
A lifelong reader with a sharp wit, Lena was known to finish books in a day and loved sharing jokes with her family. She took great pleasure in teasing her children, often recounting their most embarrassing stories with love and laughter.
Lena’s circle of friends, many of whom she met through her long-time book club, were dear to her heart. They traveled together and created memories that will last a lifetime.
Above all, Lena's greatest joy was being a grandmother, a role she cherished deeply. Her beautiful soul shone through in the love and attention she lavished on her grandchildren, who brought her so much happiness.
Lena’s kindness, generosity, and sense of humor will be remembered by all who knew her. She will be deeply missed by her children, grandchildren, extended family, friends, and all who had the privilege of calling her a part of their lives.
Preceded in death by her parents Archie Ray & Moriene Barrett, her sister, Wanda Hankins.
Survived by her brother, Bill (Carol) Barrett, of Burna, Kentucky, daughter, Laura Edelen (Jude, daughter. Ashley) of Louisville, KY, daughter Joan Woeltz (Bob Taggart, sons, John, Adam, and David (Lauren) Woeltz) of Palo Alto, CA, and son, John "Barry" O’Nan (Beth, sons Connor and Ryan O’Nan) of Lexington, KY, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held at Milner & Orr Funeral Home, 120 Memorial Drive, Paducah 3:00-6:00 PM on Monday, March 3rd. A funeral service will be held at St. Thomas More Church in Paducah, Kentucky, at 11:00 AM Tuesday, March 4th 2025 with Rev. Basilo Az Cuc officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery.
