Deirdre Desmond Obituary
Deirdre Desmond passed away peacefully in her sleep at home in Stamford, CT on October 13, 2023 at the age of 60.
DeeDee is preceded in death by her loving parents, Jean and James Desmond, and nephew Michael. She is survived by her four siblings, Jeanie Desmond, Jimmy Desmond, Michael Desmond and his wife Alice, and Kathy Roberts and her husband Jack. In her most cherished role, DeeDee was the favorite Aunt to a large group of devoted nieces and nephews who kept her entertained throughout her life: John Cusick, Kelly Turner, Scott Petropoulos, Amy Behr, Kyle Ball, Courtney Sherman, Jamie Desmond, Stevie Petropoulos, Jenny Ball, Melanie Chalmers, Julie Petropoulos, John Petropoulos, and Jameson Desmond, and their partners, spouses and children. DeeDee's lifelong best friend was Maria Corti, who was like another sister.
After graduating from St. Luke's HS, DeeDee attended Georgetown University, but the call of her beloved ocean prompted a transfer to University of Rhode Island where she finished her BA. She received her MA in Psychology from Fairfield University. DeeDee held various jobs in healthcare and social services, including Giant Steps School, Oxford Healthcare, and the Greenwich Youth Shelter. Perhaps her most important role was when she chose to leave her job to become caregiver to her mother Jean, during her final years. Upon Jean's passing, DeeDee moved to Florida and worked as a Case Manager for clients with a variety of mental health needs, supporting them with counseling and help navigating systems of care.
DeeDee's health began to decline. She remained undiagnosed for several years, even losing her ability to walk. She remained committed, in the midst of the pandemic, to finding a diagnosis, and eventually did. With her hard work and her wonderful medical team, her life began to turn around. Sadly, Covid took its' toll.
DeeDee loved kids and animals, especially puppies, horses, dolphins and manatees. She loved the wind in her hair, whether at the ocean, the beach, or in a convertible. She loved to laugh, often unable to stop once she started, but never at anyone else's expense. She could laugh at herself shamelessly. She loved a good story, but hated gossip. She had a strong moral compass and a fierce sense of fairness. She was able to process her own health struggles by showing empathy toward others. She was a thoughtful listener and trusted friend. DeeDee will be remembered by all who knew her as someone who showed kindness consistently, in inconsequential day to day interactions as well as to all who knew and loved her.
Services for DeeDee will be on Tuesday October 24, 2023 at St. Jerome's Church, 23 Half Mile Rd, Norwalk CT 06851. There will be a calling hour at 10:00 AM, immediately followed by Mass at 11:00 AM with a reception to follow in the Church Hall.
The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to support.stamfordhospitalfoundation.org/hm where DeeDee made many friends while receiving excellent and supportive care from The Tully Center and Stamford Hospital or to a charity of their choice in memory of DeeDee.
