Virginia Jena Koroknay

VIRGINIA JENA KOROKNAY

"Virginia (Jena) Koroknay died in her home on February 25, 2016 in American Canyon, CA following a short and hard fought battle with lung cancer.  She was 60.

Jena was born on August 29, 1955 in Napa to her parents, Caesar and Hazel Bertagna. She was the youngest of four children.  She attended Shearer Elementary, Ridgeview Junior High and Napa High School, class of 1973.  Shortly after she married her high school sweetheart William (Billy) Casey until his untimely death in 1976.  Shortly after she met and married her second husband, Patrick Koroknay with whom she had two children, Rocky and Kristina. She and Patrick lived in Vallejo until his passing in 1988.
For the past 19 years, one could find Jena hard at work as a checker at Lucky Stores.  She was a very hard worker, spending over 15 years working night crew.  Usually the smallest one on the crew, she worked circles around those half her age and twice her size.  She may have been small, but she had a lot of spirit and strength to match.  During her days off, Jena enjoyed spending time with her grandkids.  When her schedule permitted, she was attending their sports events and school functions.

Jena was also a lover of animals.  She always had at least one pet.  When she was battling the cancer, her cat Sally would not leave her side.

Jena is survived by her son Rocky, daughter and son-in-law Kristina and Chris Dalton, grandchildren Sarina, Lilah, Shaylee, Blake and Tyler.  She is also survived by her brother CJ Bertagna.  sisters-in-law Jean Chassereau, Karen Koroknay and Kerry Bertagna, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  She is preceded in death by her mother and father, husbands, as well as her half brother and sister Jay Guidotti and Charlene Gustis, brother in law Leo, nephews Mark and John, and niece Michelle.

A celebration of life will be held for her on Friday, March 4th at 11:00am in the Tulocay Chapel, 411 Coombsville Road, Napa with a reception to follow.  All are welcome and encouraged to come as you are."  Memories may be shared with the family on-line at

www.tulocaycemetery.org.

 Service Information