Winona Lee Lazzaro-Manzano

Winona “Lani” Lee Lazzaro-Manzano returned to her heavenly home February 20, 2024 after battling the effects of a stroke and stage 4 lung cancer. Her love and devotion to her family will be truly missed.

Winona was born to Benny Manzano and Jane Kamekona on March 15, 1954 on the island of Guam. She arrived in Hawaii at the age of 2 where she stayed and lived with her Aunt Sally, Uncle Alex and cousins. Later they moved to southern California where she went to school and graduated. She started a career as a business analyst with TRW in 1973. After many years in the Aerospace industry, she decided to venture into the food and financial industries working as a project manager and marketing. In addition, Winona also danced professionally as a Hula and Tahitian dancer all over southern California.

Winona had two children from her first marriage, Nona and Luis Jr. She taught them to love & fear God, have a strong sense of self, to always have respect for others, to be honest, work hard and to never give up. She always put her children first in every decision and action she took in her life. Her children always felt safe and loved by her.

Winona later remarried in 1987 to the love of her life and best friend Bryce J. Lazzaro. During their lifetime together they joined a bowling league and they loved to travel…. especially to Las Vegas. Winona also loved to prepare elaborate dinners for her husband to showcase her skills in the kitchen.

Winona survived a massive stroke in 2008. She showed a tremendous amount of strength and courage during her recovery period. She didn’t allow the stroke to keep her down. She fought for the independence she once had. Through a lot of physical and occupational therapy she regained a lot of her mobility. Her struggle and triumph over the stroke inspired everyone to use her as an example when they’re feeling down and helpless.

Winona was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in 2019. Even then she treated the disease as if it didn’t exist. She, again, didn’t let it stop her from doing the things that she wanted to do. Winona lived her life on her terms.

Winona was a strong, sassy, and independent woman. She loved and protected her family and friends fiercely, especially her children and grandchildren. She always gave 100% of herself. She was the one that everyone could depend on during hard times. She was the shoulder you could cry on. She was a confidante to many, and her home was always open to anyone in need. She was everyone’s “Safe Place”. Winona always wore flowers in her hair. Christmas was her favorite holiday and she loved angels. She loved to speed in her car, play games on her cell phone and spend time with her family.

Winona is survived by her husband Bryce Lazzaro, her children Nona Horton and Luis Negron, Jr, and her grandchildren Jene’ Horton and Keiana Negron.

Winona’s viewing and Rosary are Thursday 3/7/24 6pm-8pm at McAulay and Wallace Mortuary in Fullerton and her funeral mass, burial and reception will be held at Christ Cathedral Memorial Gardens in Garden Grove at 10:30 am.