Kayellen "KLN" Moran

Kayellen (KLN) Moran, 56, of West Roxbury, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2026. Born on January 8, 1970, in Malden, Massachusetts, she was the cherished daughter of the late John and Ruth Moran. Lovingly named for her aunts Kay and Ellen, she was raised in the Malden community with her siblings Debra, John, Kevin, Janet and Jennifer, and her brother-in-law Tom.

In 1978, Kayellen experienced the joy of becoming an aunt herself for the first time when her niece Kristen was born. Soon after, nephews and nieces Tommy, Tara, Kelsey, Greg, Victoria, Katie and Sarah all arrived. Kayellen constantly showered all of her nieces and nephews with love and affection, letting each of them know how uniquely special they were to her. Auntie Kayellen was known for always going above and beyond for them in so many ways, and she was a loving role model to them all.

Kayellen was the heart and soul of her family. As a daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, in-law, niece and friend, she brought joy and light to everyone around her. She was the one everyone gravitated to at every gathering because of her extraordinary ability to make people laugh with her storytelling and humor. Whether organizing family gatherings or simply sharing time together, her sparkling personality made every moment special. Kayellen enjoyed an especially close relationship with her cousins, with whom she spent countless hours laughing and sharing company with on holidays and other spontaneous gatherings. As much as Kayellen loved to carry the conversation, she was always there to listen, and her thoughtful consideration touched and inspired everyone who knew her.

Kayellen was blessed with a dedicated circle of friends who remained devoted companions throughout her entire life. Whether it was Kathy and Raquel, The Bakers, The Girls, The UMASS Crew, The UNH Girls, The Parkway Moms or the Bad News Babes softball team, Kayellen surrounded herself always with fun-loving and supportive friends who she could count on through good times and bad. Kayellen created countless memories with dear friends who brought laughter, adventure and joy to every chapter of her life. She especially enjoyed traveling with family and friends, creating memories that would later be recounted with laughter and warmth. Her adventures were filled with hilarious tales that showcased her zest for life and ability to find joy in every experience.

A graduate of Pope John XXIII High School in Everett, Kayellen proudly pursued higher education at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, before earning a graduate degree from Emerson College. She built a successful and accomplished career as a producer of commercials, where her talent, creativity and dedication left an indelible mark on all who collaborated with her. Kayellen's self-assured confidence and assertive nature were well suited for the field of film production, and as her success grew, she traveled extensively throughout the world forging strong connections with industry professionals, notable athletes and celebrities alike. The humble pride Kayellen had for her professional adventures was often crafted into amusing tales for family and friends. Throughout her career, Kayellen established meaningful friendships with colleagues who became lifelong confidants and brought joy and support to both her professional and personal life.

In 2002, Kayellen moved to West Roxbury, where she partnered with her sister Jennifer, along with her husband Joseph, in the purchase of a two-family home. Kayellen and Jennifer always shared a profound closeness as they navigated their lives. Very nearly "Irish Twins" they were always closely intertwined as they supported one another through life's joys and challenges. Kayellen used her creative touch to tastefully decorate her home and excelled at making everyone feel welcome. Most especially welcome were her downstairs neighbors Ruth, Brendan, Jack and Vivienne. Kayellen adored each of them, and constantly showered them with unending love, praise, guidance and support. Filling the role as a second mom, Kayellen was known to them simply as Auntie, and her enduring love has been a blessing to them all.

Kayellen's life was a beautiful testament to her deep faith, love for family, and vibrant spirit. A devout Catholic, her faith served as the foundation of her life and provided her always with strength and joy. Kayellen learned the teaching of her faith from her parents and family members, including uncle Rev. Richard Moran and aunt Sister Theresa Moran. She discovered profound meaning in her recent pilgrimages to the Holy Land and to Medjugorje, where she hiked Apparition Hill with her sisters and experienced a deep connection to the Virgin Mary. Her steadfast belief brought her comfort and hope throughout her life and especially during her difficult final days as she persevered with grace, courage and humor. Kayellen was a proud parishioner at St. Joseph's Church in Malden and later at Holy Name Church in West Roxbury. Kayellen also found friendship and comfort attending healing services at Mission Church and Sunday Mass at St. Cecelia Church, where the compassionate presence of her ISP Group, Father Dabney and Father Unni brought Kayellen profound peace and strength.

Kayellen is survived by her beloved siblings: Debra Targonski, John Moran (Diane), Kevin Moran, Janet Bonica (Robert), and Jennifer Norton (Joseph). She was a devoted aunt to Kristen Richardson (Chris, Sam, Ben, Sarah, Maya), Tom Targonski (Jill, Lucy, Julian, Millie), Tara Perry (Jay, Kaylah), Kelsey Moran( Ben, Odin), Victoria Moran, Greg Bonica, Katie Bonica, Sarah Bonica (Ike, baby Kayellen), and a very special Auntie to Ruth, Brendan, Jack and Vivienne Norton.

She was predeceased by her parents John and Ruth Moran, as well as her brother-in-law Tom Targonski.

While we celebrate Kayellen's transition to heaven, we also know her loss leaves an indelible hole in the hearts of all that were blessed to have known her. Before her passing, Kayellen specifically wanted to thank the amazing staff at Dana Faber (Boston and Chestnut Hill) and Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston.

Kayellen's legacy is one of love, laughter, faith, beauty and devotion to those she held dear. Throughout her life, and right through to her final days, Kayellen always gave far more than she received, and her memory will forever be cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know her. May she rest in eternal peace surrounded by the grace she so deeply believed in.

A Wake will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Gormley Funeral Home at 2055 Centre Street in West Roxbury. Funeral from the funeral home on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 9:30 AM followed by the Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM at Holy Name Parish at 1689 Centre Street in West Roxbury.

In Lieu of flowers, donations in Kayellen's memory may be made to Dana Faber, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215.