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Nalene Jessup, later Nalene De Lena, was the wife of Joseph De Lena and mother of Cross and Claudia.

Biography[]

"She's working her way through the University of Nevada... and she's not interested in men. Or women."
―Alfred Gronevelt[src]
Naleneshowgirl

Nalene during her days as a showgirl at the Xanadu Hotel.

A student at the University of Nevada, Nalene paid for her tuition by working as a showgirl at the Xanadu Hotel, where she became a headliner. Despite shunning the interests of any male admirers, she fell in love with Mafia hitman Joseph "Pippi" De Lena when he came to visit Alfred Gronevelt and secure the Clericuzio family's share in the hotel. Soon after, the two were married, to the disapproval of Pippi's uncle, Don Clericuzio, who felt this was a hurried marriage between two incompatible people. Despite this, the Don gave the two an expensive wedding present, an enormous home in Las Vegas- which was effectively a banishment from New York for Pippi.

Family life[]

"They can't keep dancing forever."
―Domenico Clericuzio[src]
Pippiandnalene

Pippi and Nalene.

The two soon had two children, Croccifixio, called Cross, and Claudia, and for eleven years, the four were a happy family, despite Nalene's increasing concern over her husband's career. However, Nalene grew increasingly concerned by Pippi's attitude when raising their children, particularly when he struck Cross for hitting his sister. It was not until Pippi was tried for the murder of Danny Fuberta that things came to a head, and Nalene demanded a divorce. After being threatened by Pippi into not suing for custody of both of her children, Nalene took Claudia and Cross stayed with his father.

Later life[]

"You can't make me love you again."
―Nalene to Pippi[src]

Nalene remained with Claudia in Sacramento, becoming an assistant principal until Claudia finished college and moved to Los Angeles in order to try her hand at the film business. Five years later, Nalene was diagnosed with cancer and passed away with her two children by her side.

Behind the scenes[]

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