Deanne Kay Caughey

Deanne Kay Kelley Caughey, 9/24/1955 - 8/14/2025

Deanne is survived by husband Mark A. Caughey; children Megan Weaver (Adam) and Cait Caughey; 5 beautiful grandchildren, Emelia, Noah, Eli, Catalpa, and Mira; sister Colleen Baum (Steve); and brothers Steve Kelley (Susan) and Mike Kelley (Mary). Survived by sisters-in-law Cathy Kernen (Rick) and Becky Fiebach (Bruce), brother-in-law Paul Caughey (Randi), and many other relatives and friends. Deanne was preceded in death by her parents, Dean L. Kelley and Joanne F. Kelley.

Deanne was the second youngest of four children raised in Omaha. Her name was chosen to combine her mother’s (Joanne) and father’s (Dean) names into one. Deanne met Mark Caughey, a fetching young man from Seattle, Washington, on her first day of freshman orientation at Sioux Falls College, and the rest was history. Deanne and Mark married on August 7th, 1976, and shared 49 wonderful years together. During college Deanne was active in theater, both acting and costume design. Deanne graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with her Master of Science in Speech Pathology. She was passionate about serving children and adults with special needs. As a speech pathologist, she worked with students at Westside Community Schools. After her diagnosis with multiple sclerosis in 1983, Deanne stayed home with her two girls, Megan and Cait, which she described as a gift in disguise. She was supported by both sides of the family throughout her illness, loved to decorate her home, and hosted family meals, including Thanksgiving and Christmas. The challenges of her illness knit the family together in closeness, and her family was everything to her.

Over the years Deanne also served as a mentor for many people living with MS. She was an advocate and listening ear. Deanne was very active with her church family at Sunset Hills Baptist Church alongside Mark. She was known for her leadership, especially with building a strong positive relationship between the pastor and the congregation, the church prayer chain, and her altar ministry, which emphasized her skills and talents for art and design. She made beautiful displays that coincided with the seasons and church calendar. Deanne had a quick wit and was incredibly intelligent. If you needed the name of a character in musical theater or film, the definition of a word, instructions on spelling, or help remembering a particular saying or old adage, you could call Deanne, and she would know. She would also tell you, yes, there is a song for everything.

Throughout her life, Deanne loved traveling with Mark most of all. They loved to go on long drives seeking beautiful scenery and wildlife. They would search for moose, elk, and the birds of the air (herons, eagles, cranes, and pelicans). They loved to visit their family cabins in Colorado and Mark’s family in the Pacific Northwest. She loved to keep up with her children and grandchildren in all their endeavors. She loved to chat on the phone and go to movies with Mark, and she loved her garden. Deanne would want everyone to know she is at rest now, free of all pain and suffering, and in the arms of Jesus.

Celebration of Life Service will be on Saturday, September 6th at 2:00 p.m. at Sunset Hills Baptist Church (9416 Pacific St, Omaha, NE 68114)

Memorials: Flowers can be sent to Sunset Hills Baptist Church & Memorials to National Multiple Sclerosis Society or Sunset Hills Baptist Church

Braman Mortuary & Cremation Services, 6505 S. 144th St. Omaha, NE 68137 / 402-895-3400