Grace Devereux

Grace Devereux, nee DeGuardi
Beloved wife of the late Robert F Devereux,
Loving daughter of the late Andrianna and Rosario DeGuardi,
Devoted mother of Russell (Jackie), the late Robert (Cheryl), Joseph (Debbie), Michael (Kathleen), Rosary (Mark) Horne, & Gracie (Anthony),
Loving Stepmom to Theresa (Joseph) Guerriero, the late Anne Devereux & Thomas Larsen Devereux
Proud & fun-loving grandmother & great grandmother to 40!
Dear sister to Ida (Carl) Wade, Ralph (the late Jeanine) DeGuardi, & the late Stephen (Lucille) DeGuardi & Joseph (Lorraine) DeGuardi,
Wonderful aunt & friend to many!

Grace was an energetic, fun-loving person who enjoyed life! She had many proud moments throughout her life but her greatest joy was found in her relationships with family and friends! She loved family gatherings and spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. One of her favorite questions to be asked was “Do you have any grandchildren?” She loved sharing how many grandchildren and great grandchildren she had! The current count is at 40, but that can change at any time in Grace’s large family! She spent time singing and playing with the children whenever she could! She always had “something” for the grandchildren and great grandchildren when she saw them. She left them with lasting memories of hugs and kisses, laughter, lullabies and lots of selfies with funny faces, because “No one has more fun than the Devereux’s!”

Grace was raised in a tight-knit Catholic family. Her parents, Rosario and Andrianna, instilled in her the family values that made her an amazing wife and mother. She was close to her extended family as she grew up and held her aunts, uncles and cousins dear to her heart. Her relationships with her siblings, Steve, Joe, Doll and Sonny, and the experiences they had growing up, led to strong bonds between Grace and her nieces and nephews as well as her sisters- in-law and brothers-in-law. “Aunt Grace” truly enjoyed seeing all of her nieces and nephews from the DeGuardi and Devereux families, making a pan of mostaccioli or lasagna for everyone, and sharing laughter and love!

Grace was married to her husband, Bob, for 20 years! Their love was strong from the very beginning, with a short courtship before marriage. Grace once told her daughter that when she and Bob were dating, Grace didn’t tell Bob right away that she had a son from a previous marriage. Instead she told Bob that she had to go home at a reasonable hour because she had a puppy at home to take care of. Eventually, she let him in on the truth and together they raised many children (and they had a few puppies, too!) They enjoyed hosting gatherings for family and friends, especially backyard barbecues.They loved to go to events that included dancing. In her last days, Grace was listening to music and recognized a song as “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” the song that Bob often sang to her while they danced! During their life together and after his passing, Grace was devoted to Bob and her love for him never faded.

Grace was proud to have worked in retail all of her life, beginning with her work at Goldblatt’s. She often shared the stories of her first job, saving her paychecks to purchase special gifts for her parents (and some things for herself!) and memories of her co-workers. The majority of her retail employment was at the JCPenney Outlet Store in Villa Park. She was well-known for her ability to catch someone who switched price tags – no one got past her! – and all of the great buys that she found! She made many friends there that went on to be some of her best friends! Together they spent many Tuesday and Friday nights playing Bingo, blowing the train whistle when 22 was called, and enjoying their friendship! Grace was eventually the sole earner in her household after her husband passed away. Although times were tough, she persevered, walking back and forth to JCPenney, and providing for her children. She worked hard and sacrificed for others but her family never went without and her children enjoyed many great bargains.

Grace had a long and happy life! She loved many people and was loved by many! We hope that she leaves you with many happy memories!

We invite you to join us as we celebrate her life on Sunday and as we lay her to rest on Monday.