Caitlin Deane

Caitlin Phillips Deane, age 32 of Anderson Twp., passed away May 17, 2020. She was the beloved daughter of Colleen (Ian) Picciano and Peter Deane, devoted sister of Hannah (Daniel) O'Connor, Sgt. John Deane USMC, and Raina Kubinski, caring aunt of Logan and Avery O'Connor, and Aeden Boyer, loving granddaughter of the late John and Eileen Phillips and Paul and Rose Deane, dear niece of the late Thomas Phillips and Johannah O'Connell (Deane). Also survived by many loving friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church on Monday, June 1st at 10 am. Friends may visit at T.P. White & Sons Funeral Home, 2050 Beechmont Ave., Mt. Washington, on Sunday, May 31st from 1 to 5 pm. Please be advised that social distancing requirements will still be in place with reduced occupancy. Due to the number of people that are expected to attend we ask that you please be considerate and upon paying your final respects that you please exit the building. If desired, memorials may be directed to Cervivor https://cervivor.org/donate/

Caitlin passed away Sunday, early evening (May 17th 2020), surrounded by her family and close friends- after a 2 year battle against aggressive Cervical Cancer. She took on the fight of her life with such tenacity, dignity, grace and she did it with a smile and an unmatched humor- that it was nothing short of awe-inspiring. To anyone who knew her this was not a shock, as it was how she lived her life. Even more admirable than watching her unwaveringly go head to head with the cancer- was how she did it with such love, compassion and determination- to not just save her life, but to make a difference for as many people as she could.

She fought while always putting her worry for her loved ones and others as the utmost importance to her. She fought while not only advocating for herself relentlessly, but for all Women's health rights. She remained open, publicly sharing her journey in the hopes that even if she couldn't save her own, that she could help save others lives, to prevent anymore unnecessary suffering and to bring awareness, inspiration and hope to anyone in the face of adversity. And she did exactly that. Her life, her fight and even her unfortunate, untimely death will not go in vain because of her own will to fight and deep desire to help make a difference, if even for only one person. But she made a difference for hundreds- and not just in her fight against cancer- but just in how she lived. Her zest for life, her loved ones, and for all people and things, was contagious. Simply who she was at her core, changed countless people for the better.

Maya Angelou, famously said, "Your legacy is every life you've ever touched." If you ever encountered Caitlin that quote will breathtakingly give you solace, knowing that if so, then her legacy is timeless. Its endless how much she will live on in the lives shes touched. In the people who had the joy to know her or even hear a story about her. Towards cancer she was a fighter- a warrior, in every sense of the word- but towards everything and everyone else in life, she was a lover. And she will always be remembered that way. She had a way of lighting up the room and making everyone else feel at their best. From family to friends or a mere stranger- she made you feel included, valuable and understood. You would never forget her energy or its impact.

Her energy was as infectious as it was electrifying. You knew if she was in the room because it was immediately better, more fun, more warm and welcoming, and drastically funnier. Her humor was unparalleled. She would make you belly laugh beyond compare and even her laugh alone was enough to make you feel happy. She loved to laugh and had the ability to make even the hardest of situations lighthearted. She did that 'til the end, she was magical that way- a true light, in good times and bad. She had a gift of showing people, by example, not to take themselves too seriously- that there is always goodness and a laugh to be found in any situation. Her spice for life was so authentic, you couldn't help but pick it up when around her. And it was just natural, she didn't even know the impact she had on so many, she was far too humble for that. She was just being herself, and it was more than enough.

What she did take seriously, was her love for all people and her thirst for knowledge. She was so teachably open. She always wanted to know and experience more, to do better and make a difference. She was a dreamer and a doer. She loved her family and friends wholeheartedly and unconditionally. You could come to her for anything and without judgement she would be there to listen and to lean on. She was one of the best listeners, and she always honored others feelings. Even with her nieces, who she loved more than anything, she lit up around them as did they. It was always touching to watch her interact with them, get on their level with imagination and play, and she loved to listen to all they had to say and encourage them. She took pure delight in those girls and the feeling was very mutual- it was always the best day when Auntie Cait was there. And I think everyone felt that way, she made everything better.

As well as people and her loved ones, Caitlin had a love for the whole world. She had a spirit for adventure and growth. She loved to travel, to see all the beauty the world had to offer and she basked in it. She loved the sun, she loved to be in nature, to be by the water, to get lost in the woods and to experience anything new. She loved music, especially live music, so much. She loved to lose herself in it- the sounds, the words, the atmosphere. She loved the way music made people come together in mutual understanding. I think she loved music so much because it complimented her heart and spirit. The way it makes you feel so deeply, dance, laugh, cry, connect, feel free. She loved everything and everything loved her.

Her warm energy and laughter will echo for ages. Her presence will always be deeply missed, but her spirit will always be felt. Because a spirit like hers never really leaves- its too powerful a force. She will always be a light and she will always be love, those are what filled her and those things never really leave us. We thank Caitlin for inspiring us all and for living a life so vibrant it will live on in all of the lives she has ever touched. She will be loved and missed dearly forever.

*Thank you so much to everyone who loved, donated, encouraged, supported and believed in Caitlin through her journey. It meant the world to Caitlin and us. Feel free to share any condolences, stories, memories, thoughts or picture of Caitlin, to honor her and her life, below. Thank you endlessly, we love you all and so did Caitlin.