Obituary

Jenny Lu Hansen DeLuna passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 20, 2026, at the age of 90. She was born on April 16, 1936, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Jenny was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Louis DeLuna; her parents, Laura and Rolfe Hansen; and her sisters, Olive Brooks (Otis) and Jean Blumer (John).

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Frank DeLuna (Victoria), Laura Nastasi (Joe), and Amy Huhmann (Marty); her grandchildren, Louie, Sam, and Dean DeLuna; Anthony (Jasmine), Louie, Frank (Carlin), and Anna Nastasi; Robert and Adaline Huhmann. She also leaves two great-grandchildren, Joseph and Antonina, along with many nieces and nephews.

Jenny grew up in Decatur, Georgia, with a bit of a rebel spirit. One of the happiest chapters of her life was serving as a flight attendant for TWA from 1959 to 1962. She loved to travel and was captivated by flying. Even after retirement, she never lost that excitement. Whenever a pilot made a particularly smooth landing, Jenny would clap and cheer, much to the embarrassment of her teenage children.

While living in Kansas City and flying out of the downtown airport, Jenny met her husband, Lou DeLuna. Together they raised three children in the northeast neighborhood of KC where all the neighborhood kids gathered to play in their big backyard. Jenny devoted herself to her family as a stay-at-home mother. She was a Cub Scout den mother, Girl Scout leader, room mother, and president of the PTA and TWA Clipped Wings. Later, she enjoyed a successful 40-year career as a real estate broker, where she mentored countless women in business and life.

Jenny was the embodiment of kindness. She had a remarkable gift for making everyone she met feel like the most important person in the room. If you admired something, she wouldn’t buy you one, she’d buy you five. The kids would say if you ever got an unexpected Amazon package, it was from Grandma.

Christmas at Jenny’s house was a joyful celebration of family, laughter, food, and presents. She made unforgettable black-eyed peas, Southern fried chicken, and mashed potatoes. When taco night came around, she hand-fried every taco shell herself. And if there weren’t leftovers, she believed there hadn’t been enough food.

One of her many talents was the ability to recite any word or song backwards. Jenny was also the family’s grammar expert: “Never say ain’t. Don’t end a sentence with preposition. Cakes are done, people are finished.”

Good manners were equally important. At the dinner table, we learned to sit up straight, keep our napkins in our laps, and never shovel food into our mouths.

We affectionately called her “Generous Jenny.” She quietly helped people who were struggling, whether they needed food, money, or a ride. She gave without expecting anything in return.

One example perfectly captured Jenny’s heart. After a close family friend lost his young wife, he was left to raise four little girls on his own. Jenny would gather them on the couch, with two girls tucked under each arm, reading stories while they snuggled close to her. She had a way of making everyone feel safe, loved, and cared for.

Jenny loved to spend time with her nine grandchildren and later, two great-grandchildren. One of their favorite traditions was visiting the dollar store, where they could pick out anything they wanted. Afterwards, everyone would pile into her big, cozy bed with bowls of popcorn and ice cream while watching Davy Crockett, The Three Stooges, or Coraline.

Jenny was never too busy with her own life to make someone else’s easier. She never made her children feel guilty by asking them to change their own plans for hers. She was proud to live independently until the very end.

She never worried. She presented the world to her children as a safe, beautiful place to “go and see and do.” Her optimism was unwavering. “Don’t worry,” she would say. “Everything will work out. It always does.”

She will be deeply missed, from her flawless ivory skin, soft hands, warm hugs and back scratches to her steadfast belief that life is meant to be enjoyed.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Cecelia Chavez, who lovingly and faithfully cared for both Jenny and Lou for more than 20 years, and to Barb and Jim Lightly, whose kindness and friendship made it possible for Jenny to remain in independent living. Their selfless care brought comfort and happiness to Jenny during her final years.

In celebration of Jenny’s vibrant spirit, we invite everyone attending her Celebration of Life to wear red, the color she loved so dearly.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the UNICO Scholarship Fund in the name of Jenny DeLuna.

Celebration of Life:

Saturday, August 1, 2026
12-3 p.m.

Jasper’s Italian Restaurant
1201 W. 103rd Street
Kansas City, MO 64114