Jean Marie Devou

Scarborough - Jean Devou died December 13, 2011 after a brief illness at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough, surrounded by her four children. She was born April 5, 1924 in Portland, the only child of John and Louise Manning Russell.

She attended Portland area schools and graduated from Deering High School in 1942. An accomplished dancer, she taught at the YWCA for ten years before opening the Devou Dance Studio, where for over 30 years she taught hundreds of Portland area children how to dance. She also performed at the Portland Lyric Theater for many years. She was active as a Girl Scout leader when her girls were young. A member of the American Legion, she eventually became President of the Auxiliary of the Ralph D. Caldwell Post. She was also proud to have been a member of her high school's 50th class reunion planning committee which managed to get Frank Sinatra to perform. Later she became a member of the Silver Notes Chorus at Portland Center for Assisted Living, where she lived the last few years of her life.

"Grammy Jean", as she was known to many, was always smiling and loved having fun. She liked going to the movies and theater, and instilled her love of performing in her children and grandchildren. She loved family gatherings, camping, the beach and sleeping late. She was open-minded and happily welcomed new family members and friends into her circle. Always artistic, she began to paint and draw late in life and was proud to have sold some of her artwork, as well as gift many beautiful pieces to family members.

She is survived by her children, Jeannine Forget of Cape Elizabeth, MaryLou Copp of Cumberland, Diane Farren of South Portland, and John Devou-Russell of Portland, three stepchildren; Robert Devou, Lorriane Lamontagne and Gary Devou nineteen grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her daughter, Roberta Devou and stepdaughter Gail Devou.

Family and friends are invited to attend a time of visitation Sunday, December 18, 2011 from 4 – 7 p.m. at the Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home ,199 Woodford St. Portland.

Prayers will be recited 9:15 a.m.Monday at the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph’s Church, 673 Stevens Ave., Portland.

Burial will be held at a later date in Calvary Cemetery South Portland.

Many thanks to the staff of PCAL and the Gosnell House, who took such great care of our mother at the end.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Recreation Fund at Portland Center for Assisted Living 68 Devonshire St. Portland, ME 04103

Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com for additional information and to sign Jean’s obituary.