Lena, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed into eternal life on Tuesday afternoon, November 25, 2025, at her home in Northville, surrounded by the family who adored her. She was 96 years old.

Born on February 6, 1929, in Kastrat, Albania, to the late Nik and Lula Narkaj.  She entered the world with great joy, yet faced hardship early—her mother passed away when Lena was just one year old. Raised with love and strength by her father and aunt, she grew into a young woman defined by resilience, faith, and an unwavering devotion to family.

At the age of 17, Lena married her beloved husband, Ujka, and soon after welcomed her first son, Nik. Political turmoil during the era of communism closed Albania's borders, separating Lena from her homeland for more than four decades. From 1948 until 1990, she was unable to return to Albania or be with her father and brothers, Gjon and Mark, in their final hours—a great heartbreak in her life - yet she carried herself with dignity and grace, never allowing sorrow to eclipse her strength or the love she radiated.

Lena first visited the United States in 1977 for Nik's wedding, and from that moment forward, she traveled frequently between America and Montenegro. She moved more permanently to the United States in 1985, following the death of her husband—an important milestone in her life. Though she enjoyed many beautiful summers in Montenegro, she cherished Christmas in America more than any other time of year. In her later years, as travel became difficult, she remained stateside, surrounded constantly by the family who was her entire world.

Lena experienced both joys and hardships. Two of her children passed away in infancy, losses she carried tenderly throughout her life. And on April 4, 2014, she suffered the sudden and devastating loss of her grandson, Kristopher Noni Juncaj—a crippling grief she bore with quiet courage. Yet she always chose gratitude, love, and faith over bitterness. Her family said she had "nothing but happy events," because her joy came from her family.

She was incredibly intelligent, dignified, hardworking, and deeply faithful. She taught by example—showing everyone how to love, how to treat others with respect, and how to live with humility and kindness. She never had an enemy. She never spoke unkindly. She lived with a gentleness and strength that touched all who knew her.

Above all, Lena was a devoted mother and grandmother. Her children were her foundation, and her grandchildren were truly the light of her life. Her bond with them was profound—each one held a special place in her heart, and she delighted in every moment she spent with them. To her family, she was love itself.

Lena leaves behind a legacy of compassion, devotion, and faith—a legacy that will live on in the generations who follow her. Her life was a testament to endurance, sacrifice, and a love that knew no borders or limits.

May her memory be eternal.

Family and friends may gather for visitation at the Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home in downtown Farmington on Sunday, November 30, from 2-8 pm.

Surviving are her devoted children, Nikola (Lena) Juncaj, Marash (Prena) Juncaj, Tony (Cindy) Juncaj, Mare (Gjoka) Vulaj, Leze (the late Sondro) Gjeloshaj, Luke (Valentina) Juncaj, Dusta (Gjon) Bojovic, and Shaqe (Rocky) Tinaj; 31 very cherished grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren.

Interment in Nikgjokaj Cemetery will follow additional funeral services in Montenegro.