Skip to contents
In This Issue:
Lena Perry, Operating Room/Clinical Support Services
Lena Perry’s former colleagues at BWH say their much-loved friend and mentor was more than a co-worker to them. She was family—so much so that three of them served as pallbearers for her funeral services. Ms. Perry, a BWH employee for more than 22 years, died Sept. 11 at age 57.
“Without a doubt, Lena was the light of our department,” said Judy Riley, operations manager for Operating Room/Clinical Support Services (OR/CSS) in the Central Processing Department. “Her commitment to this hospital was outstanding, as was her dedication to helping people do their jobs the right way.”
Ms. Perry, an assistant manager of OR/CSS, was in charge of many special projects at BWH, including moving the entire Central Processing Department to the Shapiro Cardiovascular Center when it opened in 2008.
“She always set the standards by her example,” said Riley. “Lena wasn’t a boss, she was a leader.”
Ms. Perry was known throughout the Central Processing Department for her sense of humor. But above all, colleagues say, they will remember Ms. Perry for her kindness and selfless nature.
“Her heart was bigger than her, no question,” said Riley, who said that Ms. Perry and her sister volunteered at a food bank every Thanksgiving. “People from inside and outside the department would come to her for wonderful advice.”
Nellie Knight, training specialist for Quality Assurance, agrees that one of Ms. Perry’s greatest attributes was the kindness she regularly extended to others.
“Every morning I’d come in, and we’d just talk,” said Knight. “She was there for support, and she always had something kind or thoughtful to say.”
Outside of BWH, Ms. Perry pursued adventures great and small. She enjoyed going on cruises and was also fond of parasailing and snowmobiling. “She lived life to the fullest, without a doubt,” said Riley.
Ms. Perry lived in Middleboro with her companion, Linda F. Hartwich. She is also survived by a son, Carlton Ferrara, two brothers, John F. Perry and Warren B. Perry, and a sister, Sandra L. Cabral, as well as many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Barbara A. Ferrara.
A funeral was held Sept. 15 at the Nardolillo Funeral Home in Cranston, R.I. Services for her friends and colleagues at BWH will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 27, at 7:30 a.m., in the chapel.