Carolyn "Lyn" Rebecca Devane

She was born on May 27, 1957 in Nashville, TN where her father attended graduate school. In her early years she lived with her family in Tallahassee, FL and Atlanta, GA before moving to Clearwater, FL where she resided until 1986.

She was a sensitive and sweet child, and was caring and compassionate throughout her life. Lyn was an amazing and ever-inclusive big sister to Dawn and Maxwell, playing games, riding bikes, and doing crafts. Growing up, Lyn enjoyed spending time with her parents and siblings, especially in the great outdoors camping and canoeing.

As a teen, she was very involved with the youth group at First Presbyterian Church, Dunedin–singing in the youth choir, participating in clown ministry, serving the community, building trails at Cedarkirk (a Presbyterian church camp), and going on youth trips.

She remained an active Presbyterian for life, most recently at White Memorial Presbyterian Church in Raleigh, NC where she sang in the choir, played handbells, was active in mission trips, Stephens Ministry, Sunday School and Koinania group. After

she retired she was a faithful bulletin “stuffer”.

Lyn was a hard worker and committed saver, religiously tithing 10% and saving an equal amount. She toiled at her first job at a Metal Industries factory to save for her first car, which she cared for with

dedication, as she did the rest of her cars. Despite the importance of her car, she allowed her little sister to borrow it for a road trip her first year of college, demonstrating her perpetual thoughtfulness and care for others. She was always frugal and mindful of her consumption and footprint on this Earth; she would reduce-reuse-recycle before it was cool!

In 1975, Lyn graduated from Clearwater High School. She then went to St. Petersburg Junior College, where her father, Max DeVane, was the dean of instruction. She earned an A.A. in Dental Hygiene in 1978. She then started her professional career as a Dental Hygienist in New Port Richey, FL while earning a B.A. in Communications from University of South Florida.

While living in Augusta, GA, she transitioned from practice to teaching, working as a Clinical Instructor at Medical College of Georgia, and finally as a Patient Care Coordinator at University of North Carolina. Her dental students loved her and spoke very highly of her; Lyn took very good care of them. She also served a year as the president of the North Carolina Dental Hygiene Association.

On a sailing trip led by the presbytery in the early ‘80s, Lyn met her lifelong friend, Marilyn Hein. They connected instantly over their love of the water, good times, and because “we both knew all of the

songs in the Presbyterian Hymnal by number.” Lyn and Marilyn had a lifetime of laughs and adventures together.

Some highlights include a 6-week European tour (where Lyn most enjoyed the Sound of Music tour in Austria), annual attendance at Montreat Music Week, Jimmy Buffet concerts, time on Clearwater and Holden beaches, and trips to Hawaii, Seattle, Boise, New Jersey, the Bahamas, and Brazil.

In 1986, Marilyn and Lyn moved to Augusta, GA, moving in together and beginning a lifetime as roommates and chosen family. A few years later, they moved to Raleigh, NC, where they built a beloved

home on Van Dyke and an extensive community, primarily through their involvement with White Memorial. They enjoyed opening their home to others, hosting memorable parties, and celebrating friendship and fellowship.

Lyn loved being active outdoors, walking each day after work and taking care of all of the yard work. She also loved walking for a cause, participating in The Walk to Defeat ALS, the Walk to Cure

Alzheimer's, and the Walk to End Breast Cancer. Additionally, she served as a Stephen's Minister, offering one-on-one care and support to those in need, and as a Red Cross blood donor.

When her nephew, Kyle, was born, she earned the title of “Aunt Lyn,” which she was also called by her niece, Lauren, youngest nephew, Amon, and great-niece, Galena. While Lyn was firm in her decision to not have children of her own, she was a doting and engaged aunt.

She loved spending time with her niece and nephews, sending loving cards and gifts and visiting regularly. Lyn was also a dedicated correspondent, committed to staying in touch with family and friends–always writing letters and post cards and known for sending comical greeting cards.

At the age of 55, Lyn welcomed early retirement following a diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer disease. Eventually, Lyn and Marilyn moved to The Cardinal at North Hills, where they were greeted with love and care from residents and caregivers alike and have formed a close-knit community. Lyn lived in independent living, memory care, and skilled nursing, and we are very grateful for the attention and care she received from everyone at The Cardinal.

Lyn was a water spirit and deeply loved the ocean and its creatures–especially manatees! While accompanying her niece on college tours later in life, she reflected that, if she were to do it all over again she might pursue a career where she could be on or in the water, studying marine life. This ocean connection was also shown through her affinity for Jimmy Buffett music and spending time on the beach.

In her last hours, her sister played her some of her favorite Jimmy Buffett songs and hymns. While we are sad to say our final goodbye to Lyn in this life, we like to imagine her with her toes in the sand, or playing in the warm waves, doing all she could not do in her last years.

Lyn is preceded in death by her father, Max DeVane, and her nephew, Kyle Soren Christensen.

She is survived by her dear friend, Marilyn Hein, who has been by her side every day for the mountains and valleys of this journey. She is also survived by her mother, Rebecca DeVane Houghton (Eric “Step-Dude”), sister, Dawn DeVane Christensen (Richard), brother, Maxwell DeVane (Emily Amon), niece, Lauren Rebecca Christensen, great-niece, Galena Rebecca Christensen, nephew, Amon Maxwell DeVane, and countless extended family, lifelong friends, and chosen family. Lyn brought love and joy to many people.

A service to honor Carolyn will be held at The Cardinal at North Hills on Thursday, February 19 at 3pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Lyn’s memory can be made to Save the Manatee Club, National Public Radio (WUNC), or the Alzheimer’s Association

Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, is serving the Devane family.