Deanna Kane

Deanna Kane, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, stepmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 6th, 2023, at the age of 74. She was born in Kansas on June 13th, 1949, to Bessie M. Anderson, and Dean A. Crawshaw. She was named after her father; however, her mother added an "N" in between “Dean” and “A” making her name Deanna. This was a point of contention her whole life as folks always called her De-Anna, instead of Dean-na.

Deanna had three main careers, all of which were in service to others. She started out as a waitress, then moved on to real estate. Her true calling, however, was helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities at AHRCSUFFOLK.org. Her first job was providing direct care, but she quickly became a supervisor, and was promoted to Houseparent. During her long career with AHRC, Deanna made a real difference in the lives of her clients and the staff she mentored along the way.

In addition to her work, Deanna loved gardening, crafts (ceramics, crocheting, drop painting, sewing, etc.) and turning trash into treasures. Much to the chagrin of her children and husband, she never, ever, ever passed up a garage sale!

Fun fact, during her real estate days, Deanna used to organize company golf outings and bike-a-thons to fundraise for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, she even got to present a check live during the MDA telethon one year!

Deanna had a very big heart, and she took in strays, be them dogs, cats or people who needed a little help. One of her best qualities, was her excellent memory for the good times, and an enviable ability to forget the rest.

Cats have always had a special place in Deanna’s heart. There has probably never been a time when she didn’t have at least one, or two, often 3 cats in her home. Benjamin, her beautiful long-haired rescue is lost without her. In addition to actual cats, she had cat key chains, and sweatshirts, and pillows, and statues, and so on and so on and so on.

But the real love of her life was Bill. It took them a while to find each other, but when they did, that was it! They spent nearly 30 years together, cherishing each other and taking long motorcycle trips. Lake George was a favorite spot for them.

She was a devoted grandmother to her eight grandchildren (Alyssa, Stephen Jr, Jad, Rami, Nathan, Elodie, Violet, and Daniel).

Deanna is survived by her husband, Bill; three children, Robin, Stephen, and Keith; two stepchildren, Megan and Ryan; brother Del; sister-in-law Sharon; nephew Doug and niece Kelly. She was preceded in death by her son Joseph. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, buy yourself a plant and think of Deanna, or consider donating to any one of the causes she believed in (AHRC, cat rescues, etc.). Always think of Deanna when you pass a yard sale, and most of all, aspire to be as kind and loving and forgiving as she was to the world.

Please join us as we say goodbye to Deanna Kane - a loving wife, mother, grandmother, stepmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 6th, 2023, at the age of 74.

We are gathering on Saturday, 10/21, at the SpringHill Suites, Brookhaven Room (2 Sawgrass Drive, Bellport, NY). Please stop by between 2pm and 5pm as we honor Deanna and remember how she touched our lives.