With heavy hearts, we announce that Lena A. Harrison Rentz Machado, 47, passed away unexpectedly in Eureka on July 3, 2026. She was born on September 29, 1978, in San Francisco to Manuel and Audrey Machado.

Lena attended Cutten and Ridgewood Elementary Schools, Winship Middle School, and Eureka High School. She later held various jobs including caregiver, housekeeper, and data entry positions.

She always had a smile on her face and consistently maintained a positive demeanor and valued building relationships, sharing stories with everyone she met, whether they were old friends or new acquaintances. Lena enjoyed spending time with her family and found fulfillment through singing and helping others.

Lena was married to Brian Harrison, and previously to Tim Rentz, with whom she had a daughter, Lexi Rentz, who brought immense happiness to her life; sisters, Christina Machado and Charlotte Scott; brothers Manuel and Kevin Machado; uncles, John and Joseph Machado; aunts, Lucy Spratt and Donna Pieper; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Alex and Mary Judice and Manuel and Lena Machado; father, Manuel Machado; brother, Domingo Machado; aunts, Lorraine Judice, Eleanor Machado and Celeste Bruner; and uncles, Oliver Bruner, Art and Alex Judice.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at St. Bernard’s Church in Eureka on Saturday, August 22 at 10 a.m.

We are thankful for the love and support of family and friends during this difficult time. Lena will be greatly missed.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Lena Rentz Machado’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.