Marie Theresa Degen of Southampton died at Southampton Hospital on March 23, surrounded by her family. She was 86.
Ms. Degen was born on October 12, 1929, in the Bronx to Frank and Carmela Pipolo.
She was a devout Roman Catholic. Survivors said she was always kind, fair and generous to those who met her and to many more who never knew her at all. She married John Degen on May 1, 1953, and they were married for 57 years before her husband died in 2011. They first settled in Huntington and then, in 1964, they moved, with their four children, to Southampton and founded Southampton Welding and Iron Works.
Ms. Degen was a member of Our Lady of Poland Roman Catholic Church. She was a volunteer librarian for Our Lady of the Hamptons School and taught CCD for many years. She was also a member of the Rosary Society and she and her husband were strong supporters of Our Lady of Poland Church and Our Lady of the Hamptons School, giving generously both their time and resources.
In 1993, the Degens founded Birthright of Peconic in Southampton and devoted their lives to helping the poor and protecting the unborn. They ran a thrift shop for many years that supported Birthright. They also supported worldwide missionaries with donations for text books and wells. They were devoted supporters of Covenant House of New York, for children in need. They brought into their home and cared for several foster children and unwed expecting mothers.
She is survived by her children and their spouses, Patricia Degen, Margaret Donohoe, Annmarie and Michael Koleoglou, and John and Dana Degen; six grandchildren and their spouses, Caitlin Donohoe and Paul Delzatto, Ashley Donohoe, Savannah Donohoe, Kyle Koleoglou, Nicole and Walter Sullivan, and Devon Degen; and four great-grandchildren Paul, Anthony, Vincent and Aliah. Two sisters, Lucille Buffalino and Ann Gasparo; and a brother, Anthony Pipolo, also survive her.
A memorial Mass was held March 28 at Our Lady of Poland Church. Interment was at Saint Patrick’s Cemetery in Huntington.
Memorial donations may be made to Birthright of Peconic, 99 West Montauk Highway, Hampton Bays, NY 11946, or Covenant House New York, 460 West 41st Street, New York, NY 10036.
on Mar 28, 2016