She attended “School Eight”
near her Jefferson Street home,
a few blocks from the Sinatra
family. No matter how
“Gentrified” Hoboken may get it
will always be a network of
streets and avenue blessed with
the fragrances of baked bread
authentic ethnic foods,the voices
of people on the corners calling
out to neighbors.
Michelle can not remember a
time in her life that she didn't fill
her time by sketching of painting.
In the fifth Grade, she recalls
that she dreaposter of a little girl
scolding a forlorn kitten. She
was inspired by the children's
nursery rhyme, “Pussy Cat,
Pussy Cat, where have you
been. Her teacher was very
supportive of her efforts and had
her go from classroom to
classroom to show her work.
The thoughtfulness of this
teacher increased her interest and
love of painting.
Hoboken schools graduated
their students in January and
June eac kyear. When Michele
transferred to Holy Rosary High
School, she ws aught in a
dilemma. Would
near her Jefferson Street home,
a few blocks from the Sinatra
family. No matter how
“Gentrified” Hoboken may get it
will always be a network of
streets and avenue blessed with
the fragrances of baked bread
authentic ethnic foods,the voices
of people on the corners calling
out to neighbors.
Michelle can not remember a
time in her life that she didn't fill
her time by sketching of painting.
In the fifth Grade, she recalls
that she dreaposter of a little girl
scolding a forlorn kitten. She
was inspired by the children's
nursery rhyme, “Pussy Cat,
Pussy Cat, where have you
been. Her teacher was very
supportive of her efforts and had
her go from classroom to
classroom to show her work.
The thoughtfulness of this
teacher increased her interest and
love of painting.
Hoboken schools graduated
their students in January and
June eac kyear. When Michele
transferred to Holy Rosary High
School, she ws aught in a
dilemma. Would
she be set back a year or pushed
ahead a year. After being
interviewed by the Pauatine
Sisters, it was decided that she
would move forward. Michele
found the Sisters to be great
teachers who showed their love
for their students. The Mother
Superior was a “hugger,” who set
a premium on kindness. She
recalls Sister Natalie bedinng a bit
of a “tom-boy” who enjoyed
playing baseball with the girls
when they visited at the Mother
House during their summers.
Michel's family went to Midland
Beach on Staten Island for their
summer vacations.
Staten Island grew in importance
to Michele. It was there that a
friend of her mother introduced
he to Richard. That was the end
for a while, ofNew Jersey. Here
they brought up three sons,
Richard, Michael and Karl.
Michele now has five
grandchildren and one great-
grandson. With her sons grown,
Michele had some time to further
her life-long love of painting. She
took art lessons to
ahead a year. After being
interviewed by the Pauatine
Sisters, it was decided that she
would move forward. Michele
found the Sisters to be great
teachers who showed their love
for their students. The Mother
Superior was a “hugger,” who set
a premium on kindness. She
recalls Sister Natalie bedinng a bit
of a “tom-boy” who enjoyed
playing baseball with the girls
when they visited at the Mother
House during their summers.
Michel's family went to Midland
Beach on Staten Island for their
summer vacations.
Staten Island grew in importance
to Michele. It was there that a
friend of her mother introduced
he to Richard. That was the end
for a while, ofNew Jersey. Here
they brought up three sons,
Richard, Michael and Karl.
Michele now has five
grandchildren and one great-
grandson. With her sons grown,
Michele had some time to further
her life-long love of painting. She
took art lessons to
Very much a daughter of New Jersey,
Michele Riena was born and grew up in the
magical city of Hobboken.
Michele Riena was born and grew up in the
magical city of Hobboken.
Michele Riena on the day of our
interview. Cllick on this photo as well as
all the photose in tis article for larger views.
interview. Cllick on this photo as well as
all the photose in tis article for larger views.
further her skills. She enjoyed
showing her work at out-of-door
exhibits at Snug Harbor and
Tottenville as well on the walls of
libraries, banks and other buildings
on Staten Island.
The Rienas retired to New Jersey
to the Pinelands and to Crestwood
Village. Richard passe a few
years ago. Two of sons live in
New Jersey and the third lives on
Staten Island. Michele now
attends sessions of Art Clubs in
Village VI on Tuesdays and
Village V on Fridays where she
continues to enjoy painting and
the friendships of other artists.
showing her work at out-of-door
exhibits at Snug Harbor and
Tottenville as well on the walls of
libraries, banks and other buildings
on Staten Island.
The Rienas retired to New Jersey
to the Pinelands and to Crestwood
Village. Richard passe a few
years ago. Two of sons live in
New Jersey and the third lives on
Staten Island. Michele now
attends sessions of Art Clubs in
Village VI on Tuesdays and
Village V on Fridays where she
continues to enjoy painting and
the friendships of other artists.
