Deborah S. Degan, 71, of Wilton, NH, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. She was born September 30, 1953, in Schenectady, NY, the daughter of Robert Briggs Whipple and Anne Marie Whipple (née Coogan).
Deb grew up in the Helderbergs Region of New York and attended Berne-Knox-Westerlo High School where she graduated in the class of 1971. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in 1975 from Cornell University, where she continued on and completed a Masters of Education the following year. At Cornell, she met her future husband Mike with whom she moved to California before settling in New Hampshire, where they began their family together. While raising her four children, Deb worked at a local craft store before opening her own yarn and wool shop, the Woolery, in Wilton, NH. She was an avid knitter who taught knitting classes and hosted many knitting clubs.
Deb was a well-known and respected member of her local community. She served as the assistant moderator for the Town of Wilton and was a long-time member of the Wilton Lions Club, helping to oversee many charitable projects. She was honored for her commitment and service to the Wilton community as the recipient of the 2023 Citizen of the Year award. She was also a devoted member of the Second Congregational Church of Wilton, where she served a number of roles and sang in the choir. She was well-known for her beautiful singing voice and had a great love for music, performing as a member of the Monadnock Chorus for over 25 years. Deb also possessed a deep love for the outdoors and served as past president and treasurer for the
Deering Lake Improvement Association.
Deb was an avid traveler. After she and Mike retired, they frequently travelled together throughout the U.S. and Europe with friends and family. Most recently, she was able to achieve her long-time goal of seeing the Amsterdam Tulip Festival. Deb was passionate about history, especially that of her home region in New York, and genealogy. She loved to cook, but above all, she had a great love for her family and for bringing people together.
Deb is survived by her husband of 48 years P. Michael Degan of Wilton, NH; her sons Robert Degan and his wife Melinda of Wilton, NH, Clinton Degan of Providence, RI, Sean Giordani-Degan and his wife Flora of Watertown, MA; her daughter Jennifer Strauss and her husband Robert of Temple, NH; her brother Brian Whipple and his wife Kathy of Berne, NY; her sister Martha Durand and her husband John of Street, MD; her grandchildren Kaylee Degan, Hannah Degan, Charlie Strauss, Eliza Strauss, Abby Strauss; her close friends Marilyn and Dennis Warner of Arlington, VT, and Ivy Leight of North Hollywood, CA; as well as many other close friends and family members.
Family and friends are warmly welcomed to attend calling hours at the Michaud Funeral Home, 32 Maple St. Wilton, NH, on Friday, November 22, 2024, from 3pm - 7pm. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at the Second Congregational Church, 25 Gregg St, Wilton, NH at 11am. A luncheon at the church will follow immediately after the service. A burial will be held on Tuesday November 26, 2024 at 11am at the High Point Cemetery in Altamont, NY.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Community Hospice House and Home Health & Hospice Care in Merrimack, NH.
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