Deanna Piggott

Deanna Piggott was an exuberant woman whose zest for life was evident to those around her. She delighted in her husband and children, and her grandkids always put a smile on her face. Love and compassion were traits that came easily to Deanna and made her a joy to be near. She could always be counted on for a funny story or a sympathetic shoulder to lean on. Deanna touched the lives of many who continue to hold her close in their hearts.

Deanna was born to Walter and Beulah (Bishop) Dick in Lansing, Michigan on April 10, 1949. It was a time of optimism in America, when the global community was recovering from a second world war. Growth in U.S. industry and jobs gave workers the opportunity to build homes and start families that became known as “The Baby Boom” generation. Deanna was the third of four children in her family—very much her mother’s daughter. She was by nature a nurturer and preferred to be in the house rather than outside with the tractors.

Growing up a short distance north of Lansing in the town of St. Johns, Deanna graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School. But already at the age of 16, the course of her life was being shaped by a special friendship. She had met young Daniel Piggott on a hayride, and the two of them began a courtship that would last a lifetime.

During the time that they dated, Dan was away at Army Reserves Boot Camp. Back home, Deanna repeatedly listened to the old Bobby Vinton records that spoke of pining away for an absent love. Their devotion to one another was sure and even tested. One time, when Daniel wanted to go horseback riding, Deanna joined him against her better judgment. She was allergic to fish and horses and experienced an allergic reaction on that outing.

When Daniel returned after his military training, the couple was united in marriage on August 23, 1968 in Deanna’s home parish of St. Joseph in St. Johns. They moved a short distance west to settle in Fowler, where they bought an old condemned house on the Piggott family farm. They planned to refurbish the stately structure, and Daniel's grandfather generously moved out of his home so they could live on the property while the remodeling took place. It was a labor of love that rebuilt a house and established a permanent home for Dan and Deanna to raise four wonderful children: Michelle, Scott, Michael and Brian.

Deanna was a beloved wife and caring mother, who always put her family first. Though she liked going shopping, it was always to buy things for others, because she considered relationships more important than material possessions. And she had many friendships. Her job as owner of a flower shop in Fowler put her in contact with people who were always greeted by her outgoing personality and winsome smile. Deanna loved being around other people, and it showed. She was a great friend, and rarely was there a person she met who didn’t quickly become her friend. She truly lived the saying, “there are no strangers here, only friends we have not yet met.”

Deanna lived life to the fullest, nurturing her creative side and raising a family with wisdom and common sense. Besides her flare for flowers and design, she enjoyed painting and craft work. She taught her children that some things were worth standing your ground for. A story of her own determination became a family legend. Once Daniel got the car stuck in the driveway, and he wanted Deanna to drive the tractor to pull him out. She popped the clutch, pulled off the car bumper and proceeded to drive up to the barn, park the tractor and calmly walk into the house not saying a word.

Deanna’s strong will was called upon when she was diagnosed with cancer. She courageously battled the disease and never lost the “smile in her voice.”

Deanna Piggott had lived a very full 60 years when she passed away on Tuesday, June 16, 2009. Her family will miss their best friend and forever cherish their precious wife, mother and grandmother. To family and friends alike, it was true that, when they left Deanna’s presence, they felt better than when they came.

Deanna Piggott, of Fowler, was a devoted wife to Daniel, her husband of 40 years. She cherished her family and was a loving mother to her four children: daughter, Michelle (Curt) Myers of Potterville; sons, Scott (Donna) Piggott of Fowler, Michael (Laurie) Piggott of Fowler, and Brian (Emily) Piggott of Lansing; and proud grandmother of 11 grandchildren: Danielle, Rachel, Kaitlin, Tyler, Tony, Andrea, Makayla, Andrew, Jacob, Grace, and Ryan; brothers: Walter Dick of Beaverton and Fred (Mary) Dick of Merritt; sister, Mary (Elias) Estrada of Lansing; and mother-in-law: Marie Piggott.

Mrs. Piggott was preceded in death by her father and mother, Walter and Beulah, and her father-in-law Vernon Piggott.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 a.m., Friday, June 19 at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Fowler with burial following at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery. The Mass will be officiated by Rev. Fr. Dennis Howard. The family will receive friends at the Goerge Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Homes at 11112 W. Ionia St. in Fowler, 6-9 p.m., Wednesday and 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., Thursday with a rosary at 8 p.m. on Wednesday and a vigil service at 8 p.m. on Thursday evening. Sympathy may be expressed in the form of memorial contributions to the Most Holy Trinity Educational Trust Fund. You may participate in the celebration of Deanna’s life by visiting www.lifestorynet.com/memories/49117/.