Jean Marie Deveaux
Passed on: February 19th, 2017
With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Jean Marie Deveaux, age 66, of Port Hawkesbury, surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, February 19, 2017. She was the eldest daughter of Thomas Burns, Margaree Harbour; beloved wife of Gerard Deveaux and adored mother of Lori-Ann (Glenn) Betts, Lawrencetown and Tony (Heather) Deveaux of New Waterford. Her grandchildren, Grace and Zoe Betts and Mitchell Deveaux were her pride and joy. She will be dearly missed by her sisters, Elaine Burns (Dave), Havre Boucher, Tishy (Billy) Tighe, New Victoria and Shelley (Darren) Harb, Port Hawkesbury and brothers, Gary (Lori), Port Hawkesbury, David (Evelyn) of Troy and Allan (Wanda) of Halifax. She was loved by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Jean Marie was a vibrant woman dedicated to her family, friends, the Legion and her faith. She was the heart and soul of our family, spending the past three years in Margaree Harbour caring for her father. She went out of her way to make everyone feel special, never forgetting a birthday or anniversary and welcomed every new member to the family with open arms. She was a diverse individual with many live stage performances as a founding member of the Under the Map Acting Troup. She will be fondly remembered by all for her quick wit and sense of humor.
Jean Marie joined the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 43 in 1986 and worked tirelessly in the interest of veterans. She held several positions with the legion on a local, provincial and national level. A passionate member, Jean Marie broke barriers by becoming the first female Associate Member to be elected President of the Nova Scotia / Nunavut Provincial Command. In 2012 she was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal with Palm Leaf, the highest award bestowed in the Royal Canadian Legion. Jean Marie will be remembered for her moving speeches and the ability to get the job done. She was an excellent writer and wrote articles for The Torch, a quarterly newspaper published by the RCL. In one of her many articles she wrote ‘There is no better feeling than knowing you have given back to those who obtained and maintain our freedom and peace.’
She leaves behind her lifelong friend, Linda MacQuarrie and special friends, Rosalie Hann and Ruth Nash. She is also survived by her mother, Agnes Burns of Halifax.
