Obituary of Betty C. Devaney

Betty C. (Norris) Devaney, 97, of Stoneham, formerly of Winchester, Malden and Dennis, passed away on October 1, 2024, surrounded by her devoted family. She was the loving wife of James E. “Jimmy” Devaney, who passed away in 2015 with Betty by his side. Born in Boston and raised in Malden, Betty was the daughter of the late Clarence and Winona (Evans) Norris and sister to the late Lucille Winrow and William Norris. She spent her formative high school years attending boarding school at the Kents Hill School in Maine. She boldly traveled to school by train from Boston to Maine, often stopping at the Parker House in Boston with her friends. After her time at Kents Hill, Betty returned to Malden, where she met and married her husband, Jimmy. Together, they raised four children, first in Tewksbury and then in Malden where their home on Clifton Street became the center of everyone’s world. Betty was quietly creative – she loved the opera and saw many performances in Boston and New York with her children Tim and Nancy. She sewed beautifully and had timeless, classic style. She loved taking the train into Boston, traveling with her family to Maine, Cape Cod and the Virgin Islands, walking the beaches in Dennis, and caring for her grandchildren who still remember their time with her as filled with love. Betty’s last years living with her daughter Susanne and son-in-law Rusty, were some of the most peaceful years of her life. Her days were filled with contentment – reading library books in the garden, finishing 1000 piece puzzles every few weeks, riding her stationary bike, attending the weddings of her grandchildren and enjoying visits with her great-grandchildren. Her family stood in awe of her dignity and grace. Betty is survived by her children Susanne Irving and her husband Rusty, Tim Devaney and his wife Nancy, Nancy Heartquist, Michael Devaney, and Karen Devaney. She leaves six grandchildren: Eli Irving and his wife Stephanie, James Heartquist and his partner Nancy, Colette Irving and her husband Sean, James Devaney and his wife Tara, Michael Devaney, and Manuel Devaney. Betty is also survived by her great-grandchildren Felix, Samson, Noah, Hallie, Rory and Saoirse Claire, named in her honor. She was predeceased by her grandson, the late Jason Heartquist. Her family will miss her dearly; but, in time, will find gratitude for her steadfast example of a life well lived. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Betty’s name to the Friends of Stoneham Public Library, 431 Main Street, Stoneham, MA 02180. Arrangements by the Graham Funeral Home, Woburn.