SHELBY- Lenora Cioccio. Lenora Rita Church. Lenora Kalman. Lenora Potts. Lee. Noll. Mom. Grandma. Nonna.

On June 27, 2026, at the age of 95, Lenora passed peacefully in her home, surrounded by the love of her family.

Over the course of 95 remarkable years, she earned more than her fair share of names. Each one marked a chapter in a life filled with love, faith, resilience, and generosity. She wore every title with grace: devoted wife, loving mother of six, proud grandmother of eleven, cherished great-grandmother of four, college graduate at the age of 53, faithful member of her church, rescuer of countless homeless animals, and the heart of a large, loving Italian family. She was also known for her spunky side - a ball of fire if you will.

Yet no title could ever fully capture who she was. They were simply reflections of a woman whose spirit shined brightly through her compassion, unwavering faith, strength, and unconditional love.

She found joy in life's simplest blessings—a home filled with family, the aroma of homemade Italian meals, music that brought everyone together, time spent in worship, and the beauty of God's creation. Whether she was preparing a meal for those she loved, opening her heart to an animal in need, or simply admiring the beauty of nature, she lived each day with gratitude, kindness, and a generous heart. She was compassionate; she loved everyone and everyone loved her. She made a point to not only love but to get to know your story.

Mom, thank you for your endless love, your wisdom, your laughter, your unwavering faith, and the example you set for all of us. We are forever blessed and honored to have been loved by you.

We find comfort knowing you are at peace, reunited with your family and dear friends who went before you. Until we meet again, we will honor your memory by telling your stories, carrying on your traditions, gathering around the table, and loving one another the way you always did.

Your light will continue to shine through your children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and everyone whose life you touched.

You will always be loved, forever missed, and never forgotten.

She leaves behind a legacy of love within her family; she is survived by her sons, William Kalman and wife Shirley, Michael Kalman and wife Sharon, her daughters Kris Kalman, Patricia Bugica and husband Gregory, Angel Oddo and husband Joseph, Laura Kalman and Timmy Kirol. She is also survived by her 11 grandchildren; Natalie Dickinson and Rich, Catalina and Cash. Nicole Barbee and Bryan, Genevieve and Mikey, Noel Kalman, Jason Oddo, Marc Oddo, Anthony Oddo, Kalman Bugica, Kaylin Bugica, Vincent Bugica, Makenzi Kirol, and Maklayne Kirol, Lenora is preceded in death by her parents Peter Paul and Mary Cioccio, her brothers Tommy, Eddie, James and Ray, her sisters Marie, Jean, Dolores "Doll", Carmella and Rosella. She was also preceded in death by her three husbands; Albert Kalman, Clarence Potts and Raymond Byers, also by her son Vincent Paul. n

The family will celebrate the life Lenora lived with a gathering of friends and family on Thursday July 2nd, 2026 at Clay-Barnette Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Clifford's Army Rescue in Shelby, North Carolina, or to the animal rescue or shelter of your choice. Honoring Lenora's lifelong love and compassion for animals would be a meaningful way to celebrate her life.

Services are entrusted to Clay-Barnette Funeral Home & Aquamation Center www.claybarnette.com