Gena R. (DiGianni) Plagenza, of Melrose, died at the Bear Hill Nursing Center in Wakefield on July 19, 2017 at the age of 88. Gena was born in East Boston, raised in Chelsea, a graduate of Chelsea High School and Burdett Business School. She resided in Malden for several years, Wakefield for 10 years and Melrose for 30 years. Gena worked as a Secretary for Tufts Dental School in Boston and enjoyed spending her winters in Sun City Centre in Florida. She loved to spend her time with the "Girls Breakfast Club". Gena enjoyed puzzle books, cooking, road trips with her late husband and traveling to Alaska, Italy, Florida and Niagara Falls. Gena's family & her granddaughters were the most important part of her life. She was the beloved wife of the late Frank S. Plagenza for 66 years. Devoted mother of Vincent Plagenza & his wife Rosanne of CT, Rachel White of Falmouth, Robert J. Plagenza and Judy Riess, both of Melrose. Loving grandmother of Andrew White, Amanda Riess, Laura Riess, Stephanie Plagenza, Jessica Riess, Kimberly Plagenza, Lindsay White & Emily Plagenza. Caring sister of Florence Waniak & her late husband Charles of NJ and the late Nancy Roseberry & her late husband Jack. Devoted great grandmother of Wyatt. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, relatives & friends. Visitation will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose on Wednesday, July 26th from 9:30-11:00AM, followed by a funeral service in the funeral home at 11AM. Relatives & friends are respectfully invited to attend. Interment in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park in Peabody. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Gena's name to the American Heart Assoc., 300 5th Ave., Waltham, MA 02241.