Marguerite Dejaeghere

Marguerite Anne Dejaeghere, age 91, was born on June 9, 1934, and went home to Heaven at sunset on October 9, 2025, in Troy, Michigan, surrounded by love. It’s fitting that she was born on “Hart” Avenue in Detroit, the daughter of James McKillop and Catherine Marie (Buchanan) McKillop, whose love shaped her kind and gentle heart she carried throughout her life. Her family later moved to Grosse Pointe, where they served and worked at Sacred Heart Academy. Marguerite attended St. Paul School, where her faith and lifelong friendships grew. After graduating high school, she went on to work at Michigan Bell and S.S. Kresge Company—the place where she met her lifelong sweetheart and our Dad, Ronald Roger Dejaeghere (1932-2018). He lovingly recalls in his book Episodes, “To quote an old song, I found a million-dollar baby in a five-and-ten-cent store.” They both worked at the S.S. Kresge Company, and one evening, while closing up, Ron stood at the door selling tickets to the Belgian Military Circle National Picnic, joking that he’d teach any gal who came how to polka. Marguerite didn’t know his eyes were only on her, but she bought a ticket — and, as Ron says, “I was delighted.” He made sure the route home from the picnic ended with Marguerite being the last to be dropped off. “That’s how it all began,” he wrote. Marguerite and Ron were married on May 7, 1955, and shared 63 beautiful years together. Marguerite supported Ron throughout his career. As he was struggling to climb the corporate ladder, she was always by his side. Their life together was one of adventure and devotion — they lived in six different states and thirteen homes, and even spent time by the beaches of both oceans. Through it all, Marguerite brought stability, grace, and love. Her favorite and happiest memory was bringing babies home from the hospital, all wrapped up in a blanket. Motherhood was her greatest joy. She carried ten babies and lovingly raised six children — the heart and anchor of the family. Children: Lynette Marie Dejaeghere (1956, Baby Angel), Pamela Marie Martin (1957), Susan Anne Dejaeghere (1958), Joan Elizabeth Dejaeghere (1959, Baby Angel), Ronald Roger Dejaeghere Jr. (1960–2012), Paul Joseph Dejaeghere (1962, Baby Angel), Douglas John Dejaeghere (1963–2012), Janet Lynne Loridas (1964), Baby Angel (1967), and Margaux Patrice Drake (1969). Though her heart knew profound loss, her faith and love never wavered. She carried each of her children — those on earth and those in heaven — in her prayers and in her heart every day of her life. “Better than being the head of the family is being the heart of the family.” – George Bergman Marguerite was, without question, the heart of hers. When a doctor once asked about her work history, she smiled and said, “I never worked a day in my life.” We gently reminded her, “Mom, you worked 24/7 — you raised six kids!” Her reply was simple and true to who she was: “It doesn’t feel like work when you love it.” That was Marguerite — steady, loving, and devoted. Her life’s work was her family, and she did it with joy, quick wit, faith, and an open heart. In 91 years, through all of life’s challenges and the craziness of raising six children, she never cursed — not once. Her grace was unwavering, and her kindness absolute. Selfless. Soft-hearted. Gentle. Kind. The glue of the family. A heart of gold. Marguerite loved unconditionally — and that is the greatest of all love. Her gift to all who knew her, and especially to her children, was always her love. When asked recently, “What is one habit you’re most proud of?” she smiled and answered simply: “My faith.” Faith, hope, and love guided her every day — and as Scripture reminds us, “The greatest of these is love.” She lived that truth effortlessly. Her faith was quiet but steady, her hope unwavering, her love unending. She valued people, not things. She wanted peace. Her heart’s wish was simple — for everyone to be together, to get along, to love one another. Faith is free. Hope is free. Love is free. She lived with what her dear friend Bob Dougherty called equanimity — that rare balance of peace, patience, and unconditional love for everyone, just as they were. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren remember her as the heart of their world — the steady warmth holding them all together. Her beloved children and their spouses: Pam and John Martin, Sue Dejaeghere, Ron Dejaeghere, Doug Dejaeghere and his former wife Kendra Dejaeghere, Janet and Joe Loridas, and Margaux and Steve Drake. She was the proud grandmother and great-grandmother of Kathryn Hunsaker and her husband, Neil, and great-grandson Riley; Elizabeth Evans and her husband, Khi, and great-grand stepson Aiden; Stephanie Martin and her fiance Jacquelyn Estrada; Nick Conley and his wife Ashley; Katie Conley; Christopher Dejaeghere and his wife Nicky; Tyler Dejaeghere and his wife Emily, and great-grandbaby to be; Zoë Loridas; Atticus Loridas; Aristotle Loridas and his fiancée Brooke Schmidt; Stephen Drake III; Eleanor Drake and her fiancé Jack Zender; and Theadora Drake. Marguerite is also survived by her loving sister Patricia Young and brother Joseph McKillop, and is reunited in Heaven with her sister Catherine McKillop and brothers James and John McKillop. She once worried she might not find the love of her life, Ron, in Heaven. We are all confident he was in the front row — right next to Jesus — with their six children, waiting for her arrival with open arms. At her bedside, surrounded by love, Marguerite was made to feel safe and peaceful as she journeyed home. Steve whispered, “What a beautiful life.” Stevie, sitting at the foot of her bed, added, “The reason life is so beautiful is because it’s finite.” Margaux, gently stroking the Queen’s hair, said softly, “Can you imagine the party that’s convening in heaven?” Teddy chimed in, “She gets to eat ice cream without fear — I’m so happy for her. We’re tag-teaming this…” Sue continued, “Team Marguerite-Earth is lifting her up to Team Marguerite-Heaven.” Teddy smiled and added, “Grandpa’s getting ready for her… there’s no dust on those clouds.” Chris said, “The Boss is coming.” And Nicky, holding her hand, smiled through her tears — along with the rest of us. What a beautiful life indeed. She would want us to leave you with her Mother’s prayer — and hers… “Bless us all.” *In memory of Marguerite, and in lieu of gifts, the family asks that you pay it forward through small acts of kindness — loving unconditionally, giving generously, advocating for others, and sharing a smile. It’s what she did every day. Love, Marguerite.

Marguerite Dejaeghere

June 9, 1934 - October 9, 2025