Lena K. Rocha

We are saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Aunt Lena, who died at the age of 92. A rosary will be held at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel on Friday, June 12, at 4:30 p.m., with visitation following from 5 to 6 p.m. and a time of sharing at 6 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in West Des Moines on Saturday, June 13, at 10:00 a.m. A private family burial will be at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines.

Lena will be remembered for her gratitude for life’s blessings and her remarkable ability to listen with patience and compassion. Her remarkable memory preserved the stories, traditions, and spirit of the Rocha family and life in Valley Junction, keeping those cherished memories alive for generations. She had a wonderful sense of humor that brought comfort and laughter to those around her.

Lena enjoyed 43 years as the Executive Secretary to three Presidents of the Iowa Credit Union League. She was a charter member and past President of Executive Women’s International (EWI) and enjoyed traveling to EWI conventions, where she made lifelong friendships.

Lena was a voracious reader with a deep curiosity about the world. Her interests were wide-ranging and thoughtful, including her strong Catholic faith, world events, and politics. She was also a devoted sports fan who faithfully followed the Boston Celtics, Dallas Cowboys, New York Yankees, and Iowa Hawkeyes. She enjoyed meaningful conversations and stayed engaged with the world throughout her life.

Though she had no children of her own, she devoted her life to loving and caring for her nieces and nephews, who were cherished as if they were her own children. Her strong work ethic, generosity, and unwavering presence shaped the lives of so many in her family. She will be greatly missed.

Lena is survived by a large extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rosalio and Prisca Rocha; brothers, Gilbert, George, Bill and John; and sisters, Madeline, Luz and Ramona.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice.