In loving memory of

Florence "Corky" Deegan
January 17, 1926 - April 22, 2020

Florence (Corky) E. Deegan, 94, of Kingston, NY, passed away Wednesday April 22, 2020 at Woodland Pond in New Paltz, NY. She was born in Youngstown, Ohio on January 17, 1926, the daughter of Carl and Florence Ott of Youngstown. She married John H. Deegan in Youngstown on April 15, 1950. They just celebrated their 70th Wedding Anniversary. She was the Mother of four children, Dr. Kathryn Cook-Deegan and her husband Dr. Robert Cook-Deegan of Accokeek, MD; Dr. Matthew M. Deegan and his wife Mirela Deegan of Vicenza, Italy; Constance M. Deegan of Elizabethton, TN; and Joseph Deegan and his wife Patricia of Kingston. She was grandmother to seven children, Patrick (Samantha Feinberg) and Maeve Cook-Deegan, Angelica Deegan, Hartney Deegan, and John, Olivia, and Rachel Deegan. She was pre-deceased by her siblings, Howard Ott and Margaret Moore.

She graduated from Ursuline High School, and received her BA Degree from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. Following graduation from Miami University she became the private secretary to the President of Automatic Sprinkler Corp of Youngstown. In 1948 she was accepted as a Stewardess with American Airlines and flew on domestic flights until her marriage. She attended New Paltz University and became a substitute teacher in both Kingston and Littleton, Colorado. She and her family lived in various cities in the country. While living in Chappaqua, NY, she became a member of the Chappaqua Choral Group. At the request of an International Music Group the group traveled throughout Romania. She was also active in the Mt. Kisco Branch of AAUW.

Upon her return to Kingston in 1976, she became the manager of the Ethan Allen Personnel Agency in Kingston. She was on the Board of the Ulster County Chamber of Commerce, the Ulster County Development Corporation, Zonta Executive Women's Club, a member of Wiltwyck Country Club, and served as President of the local branch of PEO, an International Philanthropic Educational Organization. She was a parishioner of St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Kingston.

Entrusted to the care of the A. Carr & Son Funeral Home, Kingston. In the interest of public safety and in accordance with New York State's Executive Order in response to coronavirus, the service and burial will be held privately. The family suggests memorial contributions to Paralyzed Veterans of America or St. Joseph's RC Church, 242 Wall Street, Kingston, NY 12401. To leave an expression of sympathy for the family, please visit www.CarrFH.com

Tributes

Rev. Barbara E. Melzer wrote on Apr 24, 2020:

"I was fortunate to know Corky as a PEO sister. She was a kind and devoted woman. She had a joy about her that was evident in the way she related to people. It was a privilege to share our love for education with others. My condolences to her family, and blessings, Rev. Barbara E. Melzer "

Michelle DeDominicis wrote on Apr 24, 2020:

"I was fortunate to spend many hours working out with Corky. During her sessions she would happily tell me stories of her wonderful family. She loved you all so and was proud of all your accomplishments. When one of you was going through difficult times she would say extra prayers. Corky always acted from her heart. I know she will be sorely missed but always remembered. My condolences... Michelle DeDominicis "

Ken Moore wrote on Apr 24, 2020:

"Some people make a lot of noise as they go through life and some quietly rise above the fray to become larger than life itself. In my view of the landscape of life, Corky was not the hustle and bustle of life in the valley, she was the beautiful green mountain that quietly complemented the landscape with grace and beauty. Steady and benevolent. I love you Aunt Corky Ken Moore"

John wrote on Apr 24, 2020:

"I celebrate the life of one of the most truly loving, caring people God ever put on this earth!! My Love, prayers and loving thoughts go out to the whole family and all that were lucky and blessed to know this beautiful lady!! A special mention to you, Jack...the LOVE you two shared is an example to all, and I send even more Love to you Dearest Uncle!!! We have been very blessed with a whole family of loving, caring humans, and Corky, my mom, and you, Jack, have been good examples. John Moore I find, for me, no 'loss', as I have to celebrate every moment I have been blessed to share with Cork!"

David Montgomery wrote on Apr 24, 2020:

"Connie, You are in my thoughts and prayers, so sorry for your loss. I know what you are going thru, there is noone like your mother! David Montgomery "

Christie Billeci wrote on Apr 24, 2020:

"Dear Joe, Patty, Rachel and family, We are thinking of you and so sorry for you loss. Sending love from Mike, Christie, and Lea Billeci"

Terri Dwyer wrote on Apr 24, 2020:

"Dear Deegan Family; our sincere sympathy to all of you on the passing of Corky. We are grateful for the fond memories of happy times we shared with Corky and Jack over the years. May she rest in peace. Terri & John Dwyer"

Pat Perry wrote on Apr 24, 2020:

"Jack, Joe, Patti and all the Deegan family, my sincerest condolences on the loss of your beautiful Corky. "

Harris Safier wrote on Apr 24, 2020:

"My thoughts are with the Deegan family as you experience this great loss. I will always remember the love and caring I saw between Jack and his Corky. They touched me greatly in our interactions. How fortunate to have shared 70 years of marriage, and a wonderful life of love together. "