Dea McAuliffe (nee McKenna)
Dea McAuliffe (nee McKenna), Beloved mother, grandmother and sister, passed away on January 7, 2026. She was the cherished mother of Kathleen (William) Arnold, Christopher (Tammy) McAuliffe, Ellen Varela, and the late Sheila LaDuca. Dea was a loving grandmother to Nichole, Brendan, Andrew, Peter, Charles, Vincent, and Joseph. She was the devoted sister of DeSales (late Jack) Kellick. Dea was predeceased by one brother and three sisters. She is survived by nieces and nephews, who will remember her with great affection.
Dea McAuliffe was a quiet renaissance woman, loving mother, devoted teacher, published author and lover of all things Irish. She lead a prayer group; establishing programs for her school; acted on, and directed for the stage; and starting at age 8, sang on the radio.
Family and friends are invited to call at the Dietrich Funeral Homes, Inc., 2480 Kensington Avenue ., Amherst, NY 14226 on Monday, January 12, 2026 from 3:00 -7:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 9:30 am at Christ the King Church, 30 Lamarck (at Main Street). Amherst, NY. Please assemble at the church. Online condolences may be shared at www.thedetrichfuneralhome.com.
I was a member of the Writer’s Group with Dea. She will hold a place in my heart for her soft-spoken kindness, creativity, and friendship. My deepest condolances to her family. She was an amazing woman.
I only met Nikki’s grandma a few times and when we were together, she was always smiling and truly welcoming! She had a great personality and truly was a sweetheart! I’m so sorry for your families loss, sending thoughts and prayers to your family as you’re going through this difficult time. Hugs to you all!
Dea was such a gracious and accomplished woman it was a joy to be with her. I have wonderful memories of the many years together in our writing group. I will surely miss her.
I had the distinct pleasure of getting to know and work with Dea when both she and I worked as cowriters and editors of the BPS Report newsletter. Dea was an absolute joy to work alongside, with a quick wit and penchant for finding the right word to carry an entire sentence. She taught me about some finer points of writing that helped hone my own skills to achieve clarity with brevity. Dea was a very hard worker who took her job seriously and respected her peers. She will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by family, friends, and BPS associated. Sincere condolences to all.
May beloved Dea rest in eternal peace.
Dear Family of Dea, Please accept our deepest sympathy in your great loss. We will keep everyone in our prayers. Sincerely, Ron and Marilyn Huefner ( cousin of Charlie McAuliffe)
I’m truly sorry for your loss! I had no idea that she passed away because I’m recovering with a broken knee from a fall last month on ice. I liked Mrs. Dea, a lot. I’m going to miss her. Your family are in my thoughts and prayers. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.