Patricia A. DeGan

Patricia (Spudic) DeGan

Pat left this earth to rejoice in Heaven on February 16, 2018.  She is survived by her husband, John M. DeGan and four daughters, Laura Conant;  Lisa (James) Luce and children Nathan (Lauren) and Stephen Luce; Christine Dunn and children, Carly, Kiki, and Jolie Dunn; Ruth Spudic and son Jacob.  Pat is also survived by brothers Jim (Carol) Palmer, and Dennis (Barbara) Palmer and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her first husband and father of her children, Carl J. Spudic; her parents Ann and Maury (James) Palmer, and sister Franteri.

Pat loved the out-of-doors and was an avid camper.  She was an adult Girl Scout for 27 years and relished the opportunity to work with children.  She especially enjoyed working with Senior Girl Scouts as they planned activities for the community and enjoyed camping experiences.  The last six years of her Girl Scouting volunteer experience was as President of the Calumet Council of Girl Scouts.

She retired from what was known as Inland Steel, but prior to that she was employed at Purdue University Calumet.  After retiring, she and her husband began to volunteer at Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum in North Judson, Indiana,  on weekends.  Despite never being a “train” fan, she found a spot for herself as a volunteer in the gift shop while John volunteered as a conductor.  John and Pat enjoyed camping close to the Museum in their home away from home, a fifth wheel camper.

Still in search of ways to be of service, Pat began volunteering at Blue Skies Hospice and then at Hospice of the Calumet Area.  She had found her volunteering passion, and often said she received more than she gave.  In October of 2014 Pat was presented with the Outstanding Citizen of the Year award by Mayor Thomas M. McDermott.  The award was given because of her strength and ability to work with the most challenging patients.  Her willingness and determination to make a difference in the lives of those struggling with terminal illness afforded an elevated quality of life for the entire family. 

Pat’s faith in God never wavered.  She thanked Him every day for the blessings He bestowed on her and her family.  She adored her grandchildren and loved taking them camping.  She was extremely proud of her daughters and all they have accomplished in their lives.

Our hearts are broken, as she was loved and will be missed by many.  We would like to thank family and friends who have supported us through this difficult time.  A special thanks to Hospice of the Calumet Area, to whom she so devotedly served.  They wrapped their collective arms around her and our family, and lovingly and respectfully helped transition her home to Heaven.

Pat’s wishes were for private services.  Donations may be made in Pat’s name to Hospice of the Calumet Area.

For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center Konnie Kuiper-Kevin Nordyke by calling us at 219-838-0800 or visiting us at www.hillsidefhcares.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Patricia A. DeGan, please visit our floral store.