Martha was born in New York City to John and Anna McIvor on January 6, 1938. She grew up in New York City where her brother gave her the nickname “Mo” which stuck with her throughout her life. Mo married Edward Deatherage on June 8, 1957 in New York then moved to California, which is where Ed was stationed in the Air Force. Mo and Ed raised three children during his career in the Air Force which took them to all over the country before moving to Florida in 1973. After raising her three children, Mo returned to college and followed in her daughter’s footsteps to become a nurse. She worked at Wuesthoff Hospital on the surgical/oncology unit for 14 years before retiring to spend time with her grandchildren.
Mo is preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Edward Deatherage, her parents John & Anna McIvor and brother, John “Jack” McIvor. Mo is survived by her children Kenneth Deatherage, Deborah Eaton (Charlie) and Steve Deatherage (Jennifer); grandchildren Danielle and Eddie Eaton and Haley and Emma Deatherage as well as many close friends who are “bonus” family members.
Mo had a special heart and opened her home to many throughout the years. From her children’s friends to extended family members, her door was always open. These “bonus” children and family members were welcome to stay for a few days or a few years and if they weren’t already, they became part of her family. She became a bonus mom with an extended nickname of “Mo Mo” and “Momma D” to so many throughout the years. Mo was a true animal lover. She rescued countless cats and dogs in her life. Because of her love of animals, she provided homes for many dogs who couldn’t have lived a better life. Once her housekeeper said to her "When I die, I want to come back as a Deatherage dog".
Visitation will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, January 4, 2019 with funeral services immediately following at 2:00 pm at Brevard Memorial Funeral Home at 5475 N. US1 in Cocoa.
In lieu of flowers please bring a bag of dog food for donation.
