Rosaria "Lena" Cangelosi passed away peacefully on July 27th, 2025, surrounded by loving family at the age of 83.

Lena was born in Castelvetrano, Sicily on November 9th, 1941, to Vincenzo and Vincenza (Caime) Leone. She arrived in America at the age of eight with her father and two siblings on June 4th, 1950, where she remembers seeing the Statue of Liberty with quite amazement.  She grew up in the North End neighborhood of Kansas City. While working at DiMaggio's Dairy Way, she met the love of her life, Vincent "Bun" Cangelosi. They were married on January 21st, 1961.  Their union lasted for 38 devoted years, and they raised five children together, whom they loved dearly.

There were many things she loved in life, but nothing more than her family and seeing them all together.  From babysitting her grandchildren to going out with her lifelong friends for "Girls' night", she surrounded herself with devout love and friendship.  Lena had a fondness for cooking, preparing and sharing her meals with many.  Her beverage of choice was a steaming hot cup of coffee at any time of the day.  Having a green thumb and gardening was a lifelong passion for Lena; there wasn't a piece of ground or pot without beautiful flowers or basilico growing in it.  She especially loved her job at Union Station, where she met people from all over the world; exchanging stories and showing them where she arrived in Kansas City as a child.  Last, and definitely not least, she adored her loyal, furry companion, Giulio.  Her children might argue that Giulio was at the top of her list of everything and everyone!

Lena is survived by her children Annie (David) Ehler, Salvatore "Sammy" (Delena) Cangelosi, Vincent A. Cangelosi, Andrew S. "Steve" (Phyllis) Cangelosi Sr., Michael S. (Grace) Cangelosi; grandchildren Dominick (Amber) Ehler, Nina Cangelosi (Jake), Jenna (Mark) Ford, Vincent J. Cangelosi, Michael V. Cangelosi, Antoinette Cangelosi, Andrew S. Cangelosi Jr., Johnny Cangelosi, Laurena Cangelosi, Isabella Cangelosi, Charles (Jenna) Cangelosi; and great grandchildren Tori, Riley, Ava, Gordon and Gianna. She is also survived by her siblings Angela Couzens, Stefano Leone, JoAnn Hohensinner, and Andy Leone.

She was preceded in death by her loving and beloved husband Vincent "Bun" Cangelosi, her parents Vincenzo and Vincenza Leone, father-in-law and mother-in-law Sam and Ann (Monteleone) Cangelosi, granddaughter Roseann Cangelosi, and brothers John Leone and Anthony Leone.

On Thursday, July 31, at Passantino Bros. Funeral Home, the Rosary will be prayed at 5:00 p.m. followed by Visitation 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 1, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Burial will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Dominick Ehler, Vincent J. Cangelosi, Michael V. Cangelosi, Andrew S. Cangelosi Jr., Johnny Cangelosi, Charles Cangelosi.

The family of Lena would like to extend sincere thanks to the staff at Ignite St. Mary's and to the staff of Ascend Hospice. Your genuine compassion during this difficult time will never be forgotten.

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com