Kathryn E. DiGioia

Kathryn E. (Hansen) DiGioia, 82, of Worcester, MA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 11, 2026, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

Kathy was born in Bangor, Maine, daughter of the late William “Bill” and Dorothy (Kelly) Hansen. She spent a short period of her childhood in Fort Fairfield, ME, but mostly grew up in Hermon, ME, where she graduated from Hermon High School. Kathy moved to Spencer, MA, in 1964 with her sister Carolyn, where she met her husband, Tommaso. They married on May 21, 1967, and raised their family in Worcester. She earned an associate’s degree from Quinsigamond Community College and later a bachelor’s degree from Worcester State College.

Kathy co-founded Worcester Foreign Motors with her husband, Tommaso, and ran the business for over 40 years. She previously worked as a bank teller for Commerce Bank. She was a “lover of life” and enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, creating many unforgettable memories. She enjoyed vacationing in Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Florida throughout the years. Kathy was a devoted Catholic who lived a pious life and always found ways to bring happiness and joy to those around her. She enjoyed reading, walking, crocheting, and baking for family and friends. Kathy was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who loved being surrounded by her family, especially her children and grandchildren. She was a kind, empathetic, loving person who always put the needs of others before her own. Kathy will be missed by all that knew her.

Kathy is survived by her beloved husband, Tommaso DiGioia; their two sons, Tommaso DiGioia II and his wife, Michelle, of Worcester, and Gino DiGioia and his wife, Sarah, of Charlton; and three adored grandchildren, Nicolas, Alana, and Ayla. She is also survived by two brothers, Michael Hansen and Wayne Hansen, both of Maine; a sister, Nancy Smith of Maine; and many nieces, nephews, and in-laws. Besides her parents, Kathy was predeceased by a brother, Paul Hansen, and a sister, Carolyn Hansen.

Kathy spent the last few months of her life at Advinia Care in Northbridge. She was well taken care of and supported during her stay.

A funeral Mass for Kathy will be celebrated on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Loreto Church, 37 Massasoit Rd., Worcester. Entombment will follow at Notre Dame Cemetery Mausoleum in Worcester. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers or donations, Kathy would want you to spend time baking something special with your family in her memory.