Loretta Ann (DeRubeis) Kendig

Loretta Ann Kendig, 90, of Apex, NC, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.  Although she will be deeply missed forever, we take comfort in knowing she has been reunited with her beloved husband Richard Stuart Kendig, her late son Dana Stuart Kendig, and other beloved family members.

Loretta was born and raised in Newton, MA, the youngest daughter of Anna (Amendola) and Orazio “Raymond” DeRubeis, and possibly the most spirited, as the baby in the family!  We will always hold dear the stories of her youth.  Growing up she was surrounded by a very close-knit family, grandmothers, uncles and extended family, from both the north end of Boston and San Donato, Italy.  Her childhood home was always filled with family and friends, and the scent of her mother’s wonderful cooking.  She often related how she loved her mother’s raviolis so much, she would sneak and eat them when her mother wasn’t looking, faster than she could make them.  Loretta was an avid reader and loved to play the piano.  She shared stories of listening to “cowboy music” with her father, and trips to Indian Ranch, and time spent with girlfriends, many of whom she would continue to meet weekly with for lunch, throughout their lives. 

Loretta grew up working in her father’s business, Garden City Oil Company of Newton, MA, where she first learned her skills as a bookkeeper.  Over the years, she worked for several companies and along the way, made and kept many meaningful friendships. One of her first jobs led to a friendship with the late Phyllis (Kendig) Caruso, who would later become her sister-in-law, after Phyllis fixed her up with her brother Richard, who became Loretta’s future husband.

Loretta and Richard fell in love instantly, and created a love story like no other, which seemed to transcend even the heavens above, after he passed.  Together they raised their children in Newton, MA, and Loretta would carry on the traditions of her mother, opening and welcoming her home to friends from every aspect of life, work, and family, and later her children’s friends, and her grandchildren’s friends.  She was a devoted Mother and Nana, and nothing was ever more important to her than those two roles, and her love for Richard. 

In later years, Loretta and Richard moved to Walpole, MA, to be closer to the kids, and to help out, as was always their way.  She remained actively involved in every aspect of her grandchildren’s lives, and never missed a game, voice concert, recital, play, Army AIT and other graduations.  She was her grandchildren’s biggest fan, and she in return was theirs!

In her 80’s she moved to North Carolina, living in both the Raleigh and Apex areas, where she remained both independent, and the “social butterfly” she had always been. Over the years in her new home, she met and made many new friends, many of whom became dear and cherished friends to her. 

Loretta will always be remembered for her big heart, and her big personality.  She was sassy and outspoken, and the life of any party. To her granddaughter’s she was their “Queen.” 

Loretta is survived by her two children, Gary Richard Kendig and his wife Zafrien of Medway, MA, and Lisa Kendig Wrye and her husband Jeffrey of Apex, NC. In addition, she is survived by her five grandchildren who she adored, Michael Miano of Norton, MA, Alianna Kendig of Medway, MA, Jessica Barthelmes and her husband Brad of Charlestown, MA, Danielle Miano and her wife Grace Derieux Ruiz of Raleigh, MA, and Gavin Stuart Kendig of Medway, MA. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and step-grandchildren, all of whom held a special place in her heart.

Loretta was predeceased by her beloved parents Anna (Amendola) and Orazio “Raymond” DeRubeis; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Antoinette “Toni” and Alfred Lombardi, and Mary and James Lavorgna; her beloved Mother-in-law Eleanor Leacy Kendig; and her sisters-in-law and brother-in-law Phyllis Caruso, and Rose and Rea “Bud” Kendig. 

Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tues July 14 at 10:30 AM in Our Lady Help of Christians Church followed by interment in her family lot at Newton Cemetery. 

A donation in memory of Loretta to St, Judes Childrens Research Hospital would be appreciated. 

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