Mary Ann Degonia, age 83, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2025, at her residence at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville, IL with her sister, Patty, at her side. Mary Ann was born in Mineral Point, MO, to the late John B. and Stella Degonia. She is survived by her brothers John ( Sharon ) and Thomas ( Sue ), and sister, Patty Degonia. She is also survived by nephews Thomas ( Betsy ) Degonia, John Paul ( Kim ) Degonia, Louie ( Elsa ) Degonia, and niece Darcy ( Lloyd ) Bowen.
Mary Ann lived her entire adult life in North St. Louis County. Changes in her health caused Mary Ann and her sister Patty to move to the Benedictine Community at the Shrine last year. Patty has been a loving and devoted caregiver to Mary Ann during this difficult time. Mary Ann spent her professional life as a Medical Technologist in the Microbiology Lab at St. Louis University Hospital. She earned her degree from St. Louis University while also working full time.
Mary Ann’s sharp wit, sense of humor, and many and varied hobbies made her the life of any gathering and a treasured friend. She spent years restoring a Morgan Plus-4 Roadster. She held season tickets to the SLU Men’s Basketball Billikens for forty years. She enjoyed playing golf with the “golf girls.” She was a very social person, frequently the organizer of fun times, such as St. Louis Cardinals Opening Day tickets for coworkers at SLU’s Lab. Her loss leaves a void for all of us, but many wonderful memories and shared laughter.
There will be a Mass in her memory on October 20, 2025 at 11:15 A.M. in the chapel at the Benedictine Living Community at the Shrine. A celebration luncheon will follow Mass. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: St. Louis University, DuBourg Hall, Rm. 319, 221 N. Grand, St. Louis, MO, 63103, Attn: Biomedical Laboratory Science Gift Fund. A private family burial will take place at a later time.
It’s hard to believe she’s gone. She was one of a kind and will certainly be missed.
You will be missed by many people you have crossed paths with! You will be forever remembered in my heart! Miss you!
i am close friends with her nephew John. i met mary ann several times on trips to missouri. she was kind, funny and full of life. what a great woman.
My mom is Rita Ann Gau, she was called Bunty by her family growing up in Mineral Point,MO. All Aunt Stella’s and Uncle John B’s kids grew up together. Mom tells many stories of their good times. Every year at Christmas time I help my mom make out cards and Mary Ann and Patty Jo was on the list. She will be missed by so many. Our family is deeply saddened by her passing.
Mary Ann was a kind and caring neighbor to everyone, always available for a phone call and an answer for any questions. She was thoughtful and ready to share her time for any need. She was a determined problem solver. Although she was a world traveler and an accomplished professional, she was humble. She was an encourager and a great source of wisdom. Her sense of humor added to any occasion. She was a true friend and will be missed by many.
Maryann was a beautiful and loving person. She made everyone smile and laugh during her time at St. Louis University Lab. You are truly missed 💔❤️🩹♥️
Mary Ann – a legend in the Microbiology lab! First a great teacher and then a great co-worker. She knew everything there was to know about anaerobes! Great Cardinal fan, courageous softball player, best sense of humor and quick wit. So many fun memories – larger than life!