Anamaria S Devescovi

Anamaria S. Devescovi, 95, formerly of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, passed away peacefully in Los Angeles, California on April 3, 2026. Born on June 7, 1930, in Guatemala City, Guatemala, Anamaria was the eldest of five children of Hector Sobalvarro and Mary Fahsen Sobalvarro.

Anamaria will be fondly remembered for her faith and unwavering devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Her dry, cunning wit, heartfelt laughter, contagious smile, and welcoming spirit left a lasting impression on those around her. Above all, she was a loving and proud mother. Throughout her life, Anamaria demonstrated immense strength, elegance, and warmth. As one doctor remarked, Anamaria was a “force”—a description that truly captured her essence.

In 1952, Anamaria moved to Kansas City to join her dear sister, Lucrecia, who had previously settled in the area. Fueled by a strong sense of independence and a career-oriented mindset, Anamaria quickly found work to support herself. Although Spanish was her native language, she had studied English and German in Guatemala and continued her pursuit of English proficiency while living in Kansas City. This commitment to learning led her to attend an English night class, where she met her true love and lifelong partner, Livio Devescovi, in 1953. They would marry in 1954 and for 70 years, established a life together built on a foundation of love and commitment.

Anamaria had always dreamed of becoming a mother, and she raised three daughters, instilling in them independence, pride, strength, dignity, perseverance, and resilience. Exceptionally talented and hardworking, she enjoyed a distinguished career as a full charge bookkeeper at Fairmont Foods. Anamaria’s passions included music, dancing, time with family and traveling—especially her trips back to Guatemala, where she most recently visited family three years ago.

After almost 20 years in Lee’s Summit and parishioners of Our Lady Presentation Catholic Church, in 2024, Anamaria relocated to Los Angeles, California to be closer to two of her three daughters who reside there.

Anamaria was preceded in death by her husband of seventy years, Livio Devescovi (March 2024); her sister, Lucrecia Petigna (August 2018); and her brother, Estuardo Sobalvarro (December 2004). She is survived by her daughters, Deanna, Silvia, and Carlen, as well as her daughter-in-law, Melanie Ronning. Anamaria is also survived by her sisters, Carol Zagorniak and Patricia (Paul) Gilson; sister-in-law, Bernardina (Luciano) Steffe; nieces Lucrezia (Marsha) Petigna, Cindy (Mike) Estes, Julie (Patrick) Zagorniak, Susan (Randy) Yocom, Sandra (Guy) Scott, Dee-Ann (Bill) Leone; and nephews Alexander (Noell) Petigna, Cam (Marnie) Sobalvarro, and John-Paul (Ashlee) Gilson.

The Catholic Funeral Mass for both Livio and Anamaria S. Devescovi will be celebrated at 10:00 AM CT on Monday, June 8, 2026, at Our Lady of Presentation – Lee’s Summit, 130 NW Murray Road, Lee’s Summit, MO. A livestream of the service will be available. Following the Mass, a short reception will be held in the Church hall, and the family will gather for inurnment after the reception.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Anamaria’s honor to Guatemalan Heritage Fund c/o St Therese Parish, 7207 NW Highway 9, Kansas City, MO 64152 (https://www.guatemalahumanitarianfund.org/), and/or in Livio’s honor to Holy Rosary Catholic Church of North Kansas City (http://ww.hrkcmo.org/).