Darlene L. (Damiani) Lanava, 79, of Worcester, MA, passed away peacefully in her home on Tuesday, June 10th 2025, with her loving family gathered at her side.
Darlene was born in Boston, MA, the daughter of Dr. C. Robert Damiani, MD, and Jessie (Malizia) Damiani. She grew up in Worcester, graduated from Notre Dame Academy, and then earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Emmanuel College in Boston. After graduation, Darlene began a lifetime of service, initially teaching in the Oxford, MA school system. After moving to Maryland where she spent eight years, she returned to Worcester where she co-founded and managed the family restaurant, “The Hungry L.” Darlene then established her most rewarding endeavor, Darlene’s Daycare, which she owned and operated for twenty years. Her dedication, compassion and nurturing values left an immeasurable impression on the children she cared for in her home. Notably, many of those children still maintain a relationship with her, some forty years later. In her later years, Darlene worked as team lead at eClinicalWorks in Westboro, MA, from which she retired.
Darlene is survived by her two devoted children, Robert Lanava of Dudley, MA and Jessica Lanava of Worcester; a sister and her best friend, Lora Damiani and her husband Clay Tinney of Key Largo, FL; two grandsons, Marino Caracciolo and Domenic Lanava, both of Worcester; a nephew, Michael Damiani of Ft. Myers, FL; a niece, Lia Damiani-Tinney and her husband Kyle Newcomb of Pompano Beach FL; a great nephew Michael Damiani and great nieces Makayla Damiani and Laila Newcomb. Darlene’s parents and brother, Robert Damiani, predeceased her.
Darlene was a woman of faith, the center of her family who dedicated her life to ensuring that all those she touched felt warm and included. Nothing came before her children and grandchildren, spending countless hours supporting their activities whether sports or dance. She was extremely generous, caring, supportive and inspirational to all she met. Darlene loved music especially Pavarotti and Pitbull, the ocean, beaches on Cape Cod, Maine and Key Largo, playing cards and having fun with her family and many friends. The greatest moments in her life were those spent cooking and entertaining her family and friends during holidays, and just because!
Family and friends are invited to calling hours, Monday, June 16th from 4 pm to 7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street. Her funeral will be celebrated, Tuesday, June 17th from the funeral home with a procession to St John Church, 40 Temple Street, where her Mass will be held at 11:00 am. Burial will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery.
Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel
Saint John’s Church
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