Kathleen "Kandy" DiPaola

Kathleen “Kandy” DiPaola, age 65, of Warren, Michigan peacefully passed away on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. She was born June 14, 1958, in Detroit, Michigan to the late Georgiana (Campbell) Deegan. Kandy and her mom were both very proud to point out that she was delivered by her father, the late Robert Deegan, at home. A daddy’s girl to the core, he was the one who gave her the beloved nickname, Kandy. She also had the great joy of a large family of siblings to grow up with: Bobbie, John, Joe, Pat, Robin, Becky, and Tim.

On June 12, 1972, at “Clark Park” aka Tony Pinelli’s house, Steve and Kandy’s storybook romance began. Just a few short years later, they married on May 14, 1976, at Our Lady Help of Christians in Detroit, Michigan. During the early days of their marriage, Kandy rocked running a military wife household at a very young age as Steve was deployed with the Navy for months at a time! She and Steve proudly had their two wonderful children together, Diane (Dee Dee) and Christopher, completing their family of four.

Kandy absolutely cherished her four grandchildren: Anthony, Megan, Andrew, and Derek. She delighted in spending time with them and would light up in joy when listening to their stories, sharing a meal together, or attending their school and sporting events. Kandy’s family was her absolute world.

She also enjoyed getting involved with the local church, Our Lady Help of Christians, and its many functions. She was an active member with St. Monica’s Guild, helping with church festivals and was even a girl scout leader. She loved attending the family’s Sunday Softball team games, “The Twelve Apostles”, even spending some of her and Steve’s anniversaries at the games. She enthusiastically cheered the team on and was the official score keeper.

Kandy enjoyed crafting of all kinds. While she relished in all the holiday celebrations, Halloween was her favorite. She enjoyed making costumes for her family, carving some very impressive pumpkins, and dressing herself up. She handmade many presents for her nieces, nephews, and friends for special occasions.

Baking was another source of happiness for Kandy. She was always known for her famous stuffed shells and taco salad at family events. During the holidays, she loved making cookies for all her loved ones to enjoy.

She poured the warmth of her heart into her relationships and instilled the importance of family, love and care onto her kids and grandkids. Family was her deepest love, adoring not only her immediate family, but also all her nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews. Her favorite place was anywhere she was surrounded by her loved ones.

Kandy was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1998 following back surgery. She bravely battled its effects on her body and mind until her passing. Along the way, Kandy continued to work for many years and always looked for ways to drive her fight against the disease. In 2005, Steve and Kandy began to celebrate their anniversary annually in Hawaii, bringing them both much joy and great memories. These trips were just one of the many things that gave Kandy the continued motivation and extra energy to keep fighting the last twenty-six years.

In true Kandy fashion, she made the best of her final months. She enthusiastically attended family activities, church, rosaries and spent time crafting with the ladies. She continued to do all the things that brought her and her family happiness.

She was an incredible and remarkable woman! The best wife, mom, grandma, and friend.

Kandy is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Steven DiPaola; their children, Diane (Benjamin) Verdezoto, Christopher DiPaola; grandchildren, Megan, Andrew, Derek Verdezoto; siblings, John (Sharon) Deegan, Pat Deegan, Robin Deegan, Becky Deegan, Tim Deegan; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; a grandson, Anthony Verdezoto; and siblings.

A visitation for Kandy will be held Sunday, March 24, 2024 from 2:00 pm until 8:00 PM at Kaul Funeral Home. A visitation will occur Monday, March 25, 2024 from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm with a 7:00 pm Rosary, Kaul Funeral Home, 35201 Garfield Rd, Clinton Township, MI 48035. An Instate will occur Tuesday, March 26, 2024 from 9:30 am until a Funeral Mass at 10:00am at St. Veronica Catholic Church, 21440 Universal Ave, Eastpointe, MI 48021. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton Township, Michigan.