Eunice Lagna

Eunice Lagna, 93, passed away July 23, 2016. She resided in Anaheim, California, at the time of her passing. Her memorial service was held on August 2nd at Forest Lawn, Cypress CA.

Eunice was born on September 6, 1922 in a small farming community, Huckabay Texas, to Kelsey Washington Jones and Nanny Finis Jones (nee Winn), the fourth of seven children. Eunice was predeceased by her husband, Fano Lagna, and her youngest son, James "Jimmy" Lagna. Eunice is survived by her oldest son and daughter-in-law, Steve Lagna and Donna Barkley of San Jose CA, and her sister, Jewel Busbee of Dumas TX, and several nieces and nephews.

Eunice spent her childhood and teenaged years on the farm in Texas. Eunice aspired to a life beyond Texas and the farm, so with the help of her older brother, Eunice decided to start a new chapter of her life in California, in Los Angeles no less, at the young age of 18 in 1940. Eunice worked at various odd jobs to earn money, but in 1942 she joined the ranks of the "Rosie the Riveter" sisterhood, taking a machinist and manufacturing worker job in a defense plant during WWII. She would continue in this line of work on and off for nearly 40 years until she retired at age 69.

During the early 1940's, she met the love of her life and future husband, Fano Lagna, who worked at the same company. They were married on February 3, 1946. In 1949, they had their firstborn son, Steve, and in 1952, their second son, Jimmy. When Jimmy was born, Eunice became a full time Mom at home. Eunice was actively involved in her son's lives and their education. Eunice was active in the Middleton Street School chapter of the Parent Teachers Association (PTA), and was the ways-and-means chairman during those elementary school years. Later, Eunice became an active parent volunteer for the Huntington Park Youth Band.

In 1966, Eunice resumed her career as a machinist and manufacturing worker. Eunice brought a wealth of experience with her to the workplace and was a mentor to young coworkers, some of whom were also recent immigrants to the United States. She maintained a close friendship with many of those she taught for the rest of her life.

We all remember Eunice as an upbeat person with a positive outlook and a sense of humor, but she also endured profound loss. In 1972, she lost her beloved husband of 26 years, Fano, when he was just 57 and she just 49. In 1989, she lost her beloved son, Jimmy, all too early when he was just 37. After both Fano and Jimmy's passing, Eunice found comfort and support from her coworkers, and was grateful to have a job with so many dear and caring friends to return to. She was also grateful to find her new found church family, where she would remain a member for the rest of her life.

Eunice was a woman of faith. Her faith and ours assure us that Eunice has now rejoined her beloved Fano, Jimmy, and all her loved ones who have gone before. Most important, she is now with her beloved Jesus.

Thanks be to God, who is with us always - in this life and forever.