Kathleen Marie Deegan

Kathleen M. “Kathy” Deegan, 73, of St. Joseph, passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at Hanson Hospice Center – Stevensville. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. A private family service will be held at a later date. Burial will take place at Hickory Bluff Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Birthright of St. Joseph or Caring Circle Hospice. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Kathy was born on November, 29, 1946, in Chicago, IL to Thomas & Lucille (Healy) Mucker. She graduated from Maria High School in 1964, and continued her education at DePaul University. On November 19, 1966, Kathy married the love of her life, Terrence “Terry” Deegan, in Chicago. For many years, Kathy was the head cashier at the former Edmund’s Grocery Store. She later changed careers and began working for Norwood Federal Bank as a Customer Service Representative. After moving to the St. Joseph area in 1986, Kathy began employment with Spelman & Sauer Law Firm as a Legal Secretary. She was a proud member of St. Joseph Catholic Church where she was active in Bible Study and Heart to Heart prayer group. She would selflessly help any friend, anytime, in their time of need. Kathy was a volunteer for Birthright of St. Joseph, where she held a position on the Auxiliary Board and was responsible for planning and executing a large rummage sale fundraiser. Kathy also held the position of president of her neighborhood’s Homeowners Association. Her favorite hobbies were gardening and growing heirloom tomatoes from seed, and especially cooking and entertaining. Her ability to quickly come up with creative gourmet style meals was admired by all and she was once referred to as “Southwest Michigan’s Best Amateur Chef” by a local hometown Master Chef. A family favorite was her baked mostaccioli that was traditionally made on Christmas Eve. Kathy also loved traveling with Terry and their close friends to countries such as Scandanavia, Australia, Italy and Tahiti. However, what Kathy loved more than anything was her family. Spending time with her children and grandchildren gave her the most joy. Kathy is survived by her loving husband of nearly 54 years, Terry; children, Laura (William “Bo”) Coffman of Berrien Springs, Jennifer “Jay” Mason of Fort Myers, FL, Thomas (Stephanie) Deegan and Kevin Deegan both of St. Joseph; grandchildren, Taylor, Emily (Daniel), Colin, Ryan, Payton and Mackenzie; and, brothers, Donald (Diana) Mucker and Michael (Kathryn) Mucker. Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Lucille and her mother-in-law, Virginia Deegan.