Carol Deghand

Carol Janice Deghand, 83, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on September 12, 2026. Carol was born in Hempstead, New York on August 18, 1943, to William “Bill” and Dorothy Butler. Carol's dad, Bill, was a Master Sergeant in the Air Force, their family was stationed in various places in the United States, as well an assignment in Niort, France when Carol was in middle school. Carol often shared fond memories of their years in France, specifically of her friends and her eighth-grade graduation trip to Paris. When Carol was a sophomore in high school, the family was stationed in Topeka, where she attended Hayden Catholic High School. Carol made many lifelong friends while at Hayden and it is where she met the love of her life, Tim Deghand. While working as a carhop at Collin's Drive-in, she became friends with Marge Deghand and in no time, Marge introduced her older brother, Tim, to Carol. Tim and Carol were married on January 29, 1966, at Forbes Air Force Base Chapel in Topeka. They were married for 49 years and welcomed five children and six grandchildren. Over the years Carol served the State of Kansas in many roles including a committee secretary for Governor Bennett's office and after 30 years, she retired from her administrative role at the office of the Clerk of Appellate Court at the Kansas Judicial Center, where she developed lasting friendships with many colleagues. Carol treasured her time with family gathered around the dinner table playing a rambunctious game of Pictionary, enjoying family Sunday drives, bingo, card games, sewing, knitting, singing and dancing in the living room (Carol dreamed of becoming a dancer on the Lawrence Welk Show). Carol attended all the grandchildren’s activities, spent many nights baking, decorating cookies, making kraut strudel and doing arts and crafts. Carol had an exuberant spirit and thrived when celebrating, supporting, caregiving, praying and laughing with her family and friends. She was a friend to all; Carol knew no stranger, she always offered a word of encouragement, prayers and a hug. Carol loved her daily conversations with her sister Nancy and their visits to and from Michigan. She loved to travel, eat at great restaurants, Dots candy, tea, a coke with peanuts, the KC Royals, audio books, and movies. What was most important to Carol was her Catholic faith, her Irish heritage, her circle of friends and her family. Carol was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Timothy, grandson, Daegen Feyh, parents, Bill and Dorothy Butler, sister, Pat Knight, and brother, Bruce Thompson. Carol is survived by her children, Janelle Tidemann (Brandon), Jennifer Schneider (Tim), Timothy P. Deghand, Bridget Coiner (Brian) and Eric Deghand; grandchildren, Alexa Feyh, Paige Eichkorn, Collin Eichkorn, Macey Eichkorn, Ian Deghand, Morgan Tidemann, and Graham Schneider; sister, Nancy Wiese; and brother, Dennis Butler. Carol embodied the spirit of Mother Teresa by caring for friends, family and acquaintances, volunteering her time for parish activities and supporting her children and grandchildren in all ways. Carol's light shone brightly and touched everyone in her path. We are forever blessed by Carol's light, learning from her and knowing her love. All services will be Friday, September 18, 2026, at Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church, 2014 NW 46th Street, Topeka KS 66618. Visitation will be 8:30 a.m. with the Rosary being prayed at 9:30 a.m. and Mass of Christian Burial being celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial following Mass will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery, 801 SW Westchester Road, Topeka KS 66606. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to a favorite charity of Carol's, the Alzheimer's Association or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614, or volunteer in your community, do something kind for others or donate to your favorite charity. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Carol Deghand

August 18, 1943 - September 12, 2026