Lena C. Derick

Lena Caputo Derick, 89, passed away peacefully surrounded by her three sons on December 11, 2025, at Kobacker House. Lena was a proud Italian American. Her parents were first-generation immigrants and part of the mass emigration from Italy in the early 20th century. Her father emigrated from Calabria, Italy, through Ellis Island and settled in Chicago, where he began working at U.S. Steel. After thirteen years, he saved enough money to pay for the transoceanic journey for Lena’s mother and two brothers. Lena was born one year later on July 20,1936.

Lena’s childhood was spent with her family in the Roseland neighborhood of South Chicago, learning the Italian traditions of cooking, gardening, and creating holiday feasts from her parents. None of the feasts were bigger than Christmas Eve’s feast of the seven fishes! Lena also enjoyed becoming “American” at Perry grade school and Hirsch High School. One childhood memory was of her first pet, a distinctive American tradition. Well, it was a turkey, and come Thanksgiving, she was horrified that her pet became Thanksgiving dinner.

After high school, Lena married, had three sons, and then moved to South Suburban Chicago in Homewood. There she spent her life working (as a beautician, waitress, real estate agent, and mother of three boys), cheering her sons at football or baseball games, and caring for her parents and in-laws. She was a master entertainer, and her dinners, especially Christmas Eve dinners, were legendary.

In 2001, she moved to Columbus, Ohio, where she made a new home and where she made many friends. She was a founding member of the Hampton Book Club. She loved her three granddaughters very much, and inspired by them, she embarked on writing a cookbook. The book was more of a love story of a mother and daughter, a family history, and an attempt to pass on the family traditions. One special tradition was making Gingerbread houses with her grandchildren every year. She made family a priority and we all gathered for Sunday dinners, and homemade pizza on Fridays whenever possible. On holidays, we all looked forward to receiving special treats from Nana especially Christmas cookies and Easter Bread (fragoon).

Lena was a strong Catholic who lived out her faith with her love for others.

Lena is preceded in death by her parents (Joseph and Carmella) and her brothers (Al and Leo). Lena is survived by her three sons (and their wives), William Derick (Luanne DiMauro), Robert (Vivian) Derick, Thomas (Chantelle) Derick; her three granddaughters, Alessandra Costandina Derick, Ariella Leona Derick, and Eliza Carmela DiMauro Derick; and three special furry family members (Caesar, Lupe, and Gino).

The family would like to thank the entire staff at the Kobacker House for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to be made to the Kobacker House.

The family will receive family and friends on Saturday January 17 from 9 AM – 10AM at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church Parish Life Center (1559 Roxbury Rd. Columbus, Ohio). A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 AM in the church. A private burial is then planned. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to share memories and condolences. Funeral arrangements entrusted to SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST.