Kathleen Janice DeFigueiredo

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Kathleen Janice DeFigueiredo who was called home to be with the Lord on Saturday, September 18, 2021. Kathy exuded valiant tenacity through her battle with cancer, making the most of each day, never complaining, retaining her optimistic approach to life and keen sense of humor. She passed peacefully in her home surrounded by loving family.
Born May 27, 1941 in Chicago, IL, Kathy was the daughter of the late Klell and Mary (Jegg) Morris. Kathy was a 1959 graduate of St. Benedict High School in Chicago. It was there that she met the love of her life, Desmond P. DeFigueiredo. They shared 57 years of a passionate marriage prior to his passing in 2017.
Kathy exemplified the character of a strong, faith-filled woman through love, service, and support of others. Beyond her love for God, family came first; dedicated to sharing time with her children, granddaughter, extended family, and friends. Those fortunate to have known Kathy were blessed by her graceful presence and caring spirit. She was known to accept others unconditionally and coined the phrase, "Once you enter our family, you can never get out". In addition to her commitment to others, Kathleen possessed outstanding creativity as an artist with paint and textile owning Kathy's Interiors.
Kathleen was a member of St. Michael The Archangel Catholic Church, where she previously served as a Eucharistic Minister and sang with the guitar group. She was active in the Monroe Art League, Monroe Garden Club and the Gourmet Group. She was a world traveler, master gardener, and culinary diva. Additional hobbies included: tennis, pickleball, golf and playing various card games.
Kathy is survived by two loving children: Beth A. DeFigueiredo and Robert D. DeFigueiredo both of Monroe, a cherished granddaughter, Celina DeFigueiredo – Dusseau of Ann Arbor, and three siblings: Patricia (Robert) Keller of Three Oaks, MI, Gregory Morris of Chicago, and Joanne Machain of Chicago, cherished uncles James "Ed" (Skip) and David (Janette) Morris, many nieces and nephews and special extended family members including Robert M. Ray and Harvey E.D. Dusseau. In addition to her parents and husband, Kathleen was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Morris and a sister-in-law, Marge Morris.
Visitation will be held on Friday from 3-7 p.m. at Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe, Michigan, 48161 where a Rosary service will be held that evening at 6:00 pm. On Saturday, September 25, 2021 she will lie in state at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, Monroe, from 10:00 a.m. where Mass of the Resurrection celebrating her life will begin at 11:00 a.m. Fr. Kishore Battu, will be the celebrant. She will be interred next to her husband at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines, IL at a later date.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com. The family extends their gratitude to everyone who visited with Kathy, participated in her virtual 80th birthday sending personalized cards, or calling. Each encounter with family or friends meant the world to her! Her last wishes were for people to continue to gather as friends & family, celebrate life, share the love and promote joy.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make contributions may consider a memorial offering to the Rogel Cancer Center at the University of Michigan checks may be made to "University of Michigan" and sent to the Michigan Medicine Office of Development, 777 E. Eisenhower Pkwy., Suite 650, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. You may also visit the website victors.us/kathleendefigueiredo to make your gift for lymphoma research, St. Michael the Archangel Parish, or a charity of your choice