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Mary Deka Obituary
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Jan graduated from Jonesville High School and went on to obtain her bachelor's degree from Siena Heights and her master's degree from Eastern University. Jan worked for the Hillsdale School System for over 32 years. Even after retirement she was part of MARSP and advocated to state congress for the education system. She also was a part of the Hillsdale Hospital Auxiliary. Jan enjoyed sewing, genealogy, and volunteering her time at the church. She loved visiting with family, especially the Red Lobster outings.
The family would like to extend an extra special thank you to her grandson, Matthew, and his wife, Melissa Deka, who selflessly cared for her every day for the past three years as her dementia and Alzheimer's progressed. Not a day went by without her telling them how much she appreciated them.
Jan is survived by her daughter, Kathy Deka; one grandson Matthew (Melissa) Deka; and six nieces and nephews, Maryann Cox, Joan (David) Huntley, Sharron (Kurt) Rossman, James VanAllen, Phillip (Cherrie) VanAllen, and Rosemary (Keith) Wasneh and many grand nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 34 years, Chester; and one brother, Daniel and sister-in-law, Patricia; and her lifelong friend, Mary Jo Slattery.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Mary "Jan" Deka will take place on Friday, July 5, 2024, at 11:00 AM at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Hillsdale with Fr. David Reamsnyder officiating. Interment will follow at St. Anthony Cemetery. The family will receive friends for visitation on Friday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service.
Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Anthony Food Bank. Arrangements have been entrusted to the VanHorn-Eagle Funeral Home.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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Eileen Rhodes, State Chaplin, DAR of Michigan
July 10, 2024
Jan was a treasured member of the US 12 Heritage Trail Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. The DAR of Michigan sends condolences and comfort
to her family and friends.
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40 S Manning St, Hillsdale, MI 49242
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