June Elizabeth (Bricker) Deighan

April 11, 1931 - November 25, 2024

June Elizabeth (Bricker) Deighan, 93, passed away on November 25, 2024.

She was born April 11, 1931, behind the bar at a square-dance hall in Neelyton, PA to James and Mildred Gill Bricker. The second of five "J" children; Jimmy, June, Joan, Jay and Jerry, she excelled in school, marching and concert band and family fun. She declined her school's only invite to state band to attend her senior prom.

June graduated from Mt. Union (PA) High School and completed nurses training at Womens' Hospital in Philadelphia, where she graduated first in her class. It was here that she met her studious suitor. June and Thomas E. Deighan married on May 23, 1953. They lived in Philadelphia, Virginia and Ohio, before settling in Bloomington-Normal in 1963. Thomas E. died in 2000.

She had a successful career as a nurse at Brokaw Hospital and McLean County Nursing Home, where she made a difference. She also enjoyed her work at The Fashion Outlet, alongside her daughter-in-law, Marti.

She volunteered at the St. Vincent DePaul Clothing Closet for over 33 years where she forged lasting friendships.

Her proudest achievements were her children and grandchildren. Her oldest son, Thomas M. (Marti Roth) predeceased her in 2013. She is survived by, Kathleen June Deighan (Michael Blankshain), Karen Deighan (David Skelding), Christopher Deighan (Nancy) and Jennifer Deighan (Don Knapp Jr. ). Her youngest brother, Jerry Bricker (Janis), survives in Wayne, N.J. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Patrick Deighan, Jessica Blankshain (David Glick), Kate Blankshain (Sarah Hughes), Andrew Blankshain, Cameron Skelding (Joanna), Owen Skelding, Aidan Skelding (Caroline), Trace Deighan (Diana Peterman), Erica Deighan (Chris Bryant), Trent Deighan, Emily Deighan, Charles Knapp, James Knapp and Annie Knapp. She was thrilled with her great-grandchildren: Henry, Ezra and Matilda Glick, Lyle Baker, Luciana and Laurence Skelding and Nora June and Charlotte Deighan. She endured the loss of two beloved grandsons in the last two years: Conor Deighan Skelding (Lizzy) and Michael Kenneth Deighan.

One of June's household pride and joys was a Village, complete with knickknack emojis of her ever-expanding family; from her parents (a volunteer fireman and a seamstress) to her great-grandchildren.

She was a lifelong fashion icon who rarely attended a fancy occasion without a hat. She often composed and recited a special poem for such events. She was a steadfast Chicago Cubs and University of Illinois fan; not for the faint-hearted. She wasn't. She loved to dance and could be counted on to do the splits until fairly recently. She relished annual NCAA basketball trips for over 30 years. Her children will remember her love of the holidays and regret that they never learned her secret gravy recipe. Her grandsons will remember her encouragement to "borrow" an NCAA sign then serve as lookout for the deed. Most of all she was a fierce advocate for her family and will leave a legacy of generosity, tenacity, loyalty and love.

Per her wishes, services will be private. Memorials may be made to National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Epiphany Catholic Church, (Normal, IL) or Mt. Union (PA) Methodist Church.

To express condolences online, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Pantagraph on Nov. 27, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for June Deighan

Sponsored by Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home.

3 Entries

Michele Moore

Planted Trees

Bob (and Janice) Lewis

November 28, 2024

My condolences to the entire extended Deighan family on the passing of June A wonderful friend of over 66 years. In early 1958, as a single guy from the Midwest, I was moved to the office in the Philadelphia suburbs. At that time I had never been further east than the western part of Ohio. My desk for the rest of that year was next to Tom. He and June made me very welcome. I even spent a weekend in Mt. Union. I moved on to another office towards the end of that year but our paths contiued to cross over the next many years, The friendship formed in 1958 was always important to me.

John and Jan Couillard

November 27, 2024

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. June was such a wonderful neighbor when we were starting our family back in the 1980´s. She loved life and everyone she knew. Prayers for all of her family. John and Jan Couillard

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