Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, Mary Ellen passed away peacefully on September 20, 2026 at the age of 94.
Beloved wife of the late Richard Degnan, beloved mother of Kathy (Ed) Dennis, Tom Degnan, Karen (Ken) Rekowski, Susan Degnan, Pat (Cliff) Cleeton, Eileen (Ron) Miller, the late Ann Degnan and Laura (Larry) Ernst. Dear grandma to 17 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Dear sister of the late Virginia (Leible) Downey, sister-in-law, aunt, great-aunt and friend to many.
Born in St Louis, Mary Ellen graduated from St John’s nursing school in 1952 and married Richard Degnan later that year. She worked at Alexian Brothers Hospital for many years and volunteered at the DeGreeff Hospice House and Nurses for Newborns after she retired. A devout Catholic, Mary Ellen & Richard were longtime parishioner of Mary, Queen of the Universe/St Mark’s Catholic Church where they raised their 8 children. Her faith and service to others was a guiding light to family and friends.
Services: Visitation at Kutis Affton Funeral Home (10151 Gravois Rd) on Mon, Oct 12, 4:00-8:00PM. We will have a brief Nurse’s Honor Guard ceremony at the beginning of visitation – all are welcome to attend. Memorial mass will be Tues, Oct 13, 9:30 at St Mark Catholic Church (4220 Ripa Ave.) Interment will follow at Jefferson Barracks Cemetery.
Memorials can be made to deGreeff Hospice House (Mercy Health Foundation) or American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
My deepest sympathy to Kathy, Ed and your whole family. If there’s anything I can do, don’t hesitate to let me know 💖💖💖😢
Kathy, I’m so sorry to hear the sad news of your mother’s passing. My thoughts , prayers and deepest sympathy goes out to you, Ed and your whole family 🙏💐
So sad, we never want to say goodbye. My condolences and strength to the family. Will be praying everything goes well for all. God bless you all.
I remember Mrs. Degnan being such a kind-hearted person who always had a warm and beautiful smile. Anytime I would see her in the subdivision, she would always wave and say “hi.” Sometimes we shared a quick conversation. I remember how much fun her and Mrs. Dehekker had at my mother, Agnes’s, 90th birthday party at the Crestwood Mall dance studio.
Due to a previous commitment, I was unable to attend the visitation and mass but I said some prayers and made a donation to the Mercy Health Foundation in her honor.