Obituary
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mary (Marie) Catherine McDevitt (nee Olverson) on Monday, March 22, 2021 at the age of 82. Marie leaves behind her devoted husband of 60 years, Eamon John ‘Russ’ McDevitt; daughter, Lynn (Lenny), daughter, Suzanne (Edwin R.I.P.), daughter, Heather (Warren), son, Michael (Brigitte), son, Peter (Sherri) and daughter, Posie (Ron). She is lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, James (Amy), Jonathan (Crystal), Patrick (Malorie), Morgan, Chloe, Aidan, Quinn, Liam and her great-grandchildren, Lucas, Mya, Brooklyn, Adelyn, Lynkin and Lillie. Marie is survived by her sister, Philomena and younger brother, Edward, who live in England. She will be dearly missed by numerous nieces and nephews both in England and Ireland and her many friends across the globe.
Marie was born at Round House Farm in Scarisbrick, England on August 5th, 1938. She was christened Mary after Our Lady and Catherine after her Grandmother but was always called Marie. She was raised on the family farm with her older sister, Philomena and younger brother, Edward. In 1960 the adventurous curly, red head, farmer’s daughter left England for Canada. There she met her future husband, ‘Russ’ at a dance while vacationing in Toronto. At the time, Russ was a military policeman stationed in Halifax, Nova Scotia. They wrote numerous letters to each other and got married 3 months later. Their life together spanned 60 years and was blessed with six children, eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Over the span of her lifetime, Marie and her family lived in England, Ireland, Germany and Canada. No matter where she called home, Marie was known for making everyone she met feel special. Her disarming smile and gentle kindness will be missed by many. Throughout her life Marie loved to write, knit and make special handmade gifts for her family and friends. Marie was a resilient, independent spirit who thrived on selling her felted slippers and her husband’s books at craft fairs. Marie believed that ‘family was where life begins and love never ends.’ She was deeply cherished by her husband, children and grandchildren.
Marie lived life to her fullest with the motto …..
‘Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, Champagne in one hand – strawberries in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming “WOO HOO – What a Ride!”
Marie (Mum) was one of the kindest, most caring and inspirational people. She will always be remembered as the adventurous curly red head who said, “I’ll not be beat!”
Marie’s family are deeply grateful for the abundance of love and care provided by the staff at Westview Care Home in Penticton, BC.
It was Marie’s wish to be cremated with a Memorial Mass service. The Memorial Mass will be held at St. Ann’s Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time on Monday, March 29, 2021. Please click the link below to join. A private Celebration of Marie’s Life, with family will be held at a later date once safe travel is possible.
Please take a moment to write a fond memory or a note of condolence to Marie’s family on the Tribute Wall above.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary (Marie) Catherine McDevitt, please visit our floral store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Mary Marie Catherine McDevitt August 5 1938 March 22 2021 (age 82)..
Death notice for the town of: Penticton, Province: Colombie britanique