April 27, 1940 – March 17, 2019
Kathleen Marie McCarthy deVos was born in St. Louis, Missouri on April 27, 1940 and was adopted four days later by Mary and Joseph McCarthy of Tucson, Arizona. Kathleen graduated from Salpointe High School in Tucson in 1958 where she was a member of the Glee Club and Speech Club and served as Secretary of both the Future Nurses Club and the Pep Club. Kathleen was also an enthusiastic member of the Cheer Squad.
After high school, Kathleen attended the University of Arizona where she graduated with a degree in Nursing in 1963. She participated in the Newman Club and was the first ever Vice President of the Arizona Association of Student Nurses. After leaving school, Kathleen went on to work as an Emergency Room nurse at Desert Samaritan Hospital and as a Pediatric Nurse at Mesa Pediatrics. After her retirement from nursing, she continued to work as a part-time caregiver for disabled patients.
While at Salpointe, Kathleen met her beloved husband, James William Gary deVos of Globe, Arizona. They married after college graduation on June 6, 1963 at the SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Tucson. After marrying, they moved to Mesa, Arizona. Gary, a graduate of Arizona State University, worked as a successful semiconductor engineer at Motorola while Kathleen became a homemaker as their family grew. Kathleen and Gary celebrated their fortieth wedding anniversary in 2003 and remained a loving couple until Gary’s death in 2004. They enjoyed travelling, spending time with their grandchildren, gardening and looking after their animals which included dogs, chickens and even a pony. They were also known for their fun, U of A versus ASU rivalry.
Kathleen is remembered as a devoted wife, mother and friend who delighted in making the holidays special for her family. She collected Christmas Villages, Nativity Sets and vintage tea pots. She loved everything Irish and enthusiastically celebrated St. Patrick’s Day every year. She enjoyed playing games such as Penny Poker, Bridge and Rummikub with her grandchildren.
Kathleen deVos is survived by her sister, Mary Ann Youmans, by her four children, Joseph deVos, Grace deVos, Ann Allor and James deVos, as well as by numerous grandchildren.
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