Kathleen DeLena

Kathleen M. (Crane) DeLena, age 80, a longtime resident of Revere, passed away on January 18, 2025, surrounded by her sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, family and close friends. 

Kathie was born on July 5, 1944, the daughter of the late Charles S. Crane and Rose M. (DeMartino) Crane. In an era of larger families, she was an only child but was never lonely. She was raised alongside many cousins in the DeMartino family, and she fostered childhood friendships that lasted a lifetime. Kathie attended Revere High School where she was a soloist in the choir and was voted Best Looking for the Class of 1962. 

After a brief career as a dental assistant, Kathie married, had two boys, and settled in Revere, where she became a zealous advocate for the city’s children. She was twice elected President of the PTA for the Julia Ward Howe School and later successfully challenged an unofficial dress code at the Mary T. Ronan School to the delight of students and parents in Beachmont.

In 1976, Kathie accepted a part-time office position with Pan American Airways. A role that allowed her to juggle motherhood and afforded her family the opportunity to travel. Later, she moved into a full-time role for the Pan Am Shuttle and then, a supervisory role with Delta Airlines, where she became a highly respected leader of the Delta Shuttle operations team. 

In 2004, Kathie was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, a rare, progressive illness of the respiratory system characterized by irreversible decline in lung function with a life expectancy of less than ten years. Kathie, however, defied the odds, and for over twenty years filled every moment productively. More recently, when the need for supplemental oxygen limited her ability to see friends, shop, or bake, she shifted her attention to advising family and friends by phone. Whether it was a call, text, or social media comment, she responded promptly and thoughtfully, and was never shy about offering her opinion about anything. 

Kathie will be deeply missed by her family, friends, coworkers at Delta, residents at the Atlantica, cousins and anyone with roots in Beachmont. She was a special person, beautiful on the inside and out, and fiercely loyal with an unyielding moral compass. Even when the progression of her illness left her depleted, she never wavered in support of her family or friends and relished every opportunity to contribute to the lives of her sons and grandchildren.

She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Robert C. DeLena & Mary Beth DeLena of Sudbury, MA, and Jon C. DeLena & Joanne DeLena of Bedford, NH, and her grandchildren, Ryan C. DeLena, Abigail R. DeLena, Gabriella R. DeLena (Daniel Omoregie, fiancé), Riley J. DeLena and Jagger L. DeLena. In addition to many cousins and godchildren.

Kathie’s life will be celebrated in February. Details to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Care Dimensions Hospice House, www.caredimensions.org/donate