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MARGE DEVRIES Obituary
Because her father was a locomotive engineer for a local timber company, Marge grew up in the logging camps of Southwest Washington, where she made friends that lasted a lifetime.
In the 1940's her family moved to Seattle where Marge graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1947. In 1949 she joined her parents in Oak Harbor, Washington and met Peter DeVries, a young farmer, whom she married on December 8, 1950. Together, Pete and Marge raised a family of seven children, Timothy, Mark, Ryan, Stanley, Lewis, Wallace, and Andrea. In 1966 the family moved to LaConner.
Marge went back to school to study music after the youngest of the children was in school. She earned an AA degree from Skagit Valley College, and earned two bachelor's degrees in music and education from Western Washington University. She taught choral, band, and orchestra at Whatcom Middle School and Sehome High School and taught voice at Western Washington University in Bellingham. She was the Director of Music at the First Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, and also at the First Methodist Church in Santa Barbara, CA, where she and Peter lived for a short time. After retiring from public school teaching, Marge taught at the Sylvan Learning Center in Mount Vernon, and continued to teach private voice lessons.
After her family and friends, music was the great love of Marge's life. Among her hours she gave to charities, she volunteered for many years for the Tulip Festival Committee.
Marge was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Peter, and her son Lewis.
She is survived by her children, Timothy DeVries, Mark and Adele DeVries, Ryan and Nancy DeVries, Stanley DeVries, Wally and Kenna DeVries and Andrea DeVries; her sister, Lois; as well as 6 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; many loving nieces and nephews; and many, many friends.
A memorial service to celebrate Marge's life will be held at the Kern Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, on Monday, October 3, 2011, at 1:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to Hospice Northwest, in Marge's name.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for MARGE DEVRIES
Barb (MacLeod) Ennis
October 3, 2011
It was a privilege to play under Marge's baton in the orchestra at Sehome High School for three years. She taught with love and humor, while holding us to high artistic standards.
Chris Barton
October 2, 2011
My mother says that she cannot remember not knowing her friend Marge. They grew up together in Brooklyn and through many changes in each other's lives, remained true and best friends. That's how I was able to know one of the most loving and fun families with Marge always at the helm. She was like a favorite aunt or second mother for all of us and I spent many wonderful summer vacations in Oak Harbor at the DeVries and Jongsma homes. I'll never forget making homemade rootbeer for the first time there! Even the last time I was able to be with Marge, as sick as she was, her "Marginess" came through with her expression of delight to see us and always calling us "dear". So many memories to keep us from forgetting such as generous and loving soul.
Judy Bolton
October 2, 2011
I was lucky enough to be a neighbor to Marge and Pete for several years, and also to have her as a colleague at Sylvan Learning Center. She was a lot of fun to be around, as well as a great and loyal friend. I will miss her a lot!
Max Jones
September 30, 2011
Marge and I taught together at Whatcom Middle School. I have many memories of her humor and philosophy. Music teaching seemed very natural to her and she approached students with warmth and understanding. Music and artistry are part of her legacy.
Jean Hofkamp
September 29, 2011
I enjoyed being with Marge at the many family things that were going on. I always enjoyed her sense of humor and her laughter. She was a wonderful person. I know you will miss her,-Jean
Al Robison
September 29, 2011
Andrea, Sorry for the loss of your mom, I remember how kind your mom was. She will be missed by all! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
September 29, 2011
I met met Margie while attending Skagit Valley College....and in what class, you may ask? Choir of course. Both of us shared stories of large families, rural living and the love of music. We were often classmates too in what we both deemed unnecessary classes, her going on into teaching music and me going on into teaching Home Ec. What really sealed our friendship was a surprise revealed after many classes together and long visits. One of her nieces was my best friend from high school, Marty Jongsma (Hitchcock).
I will always remember Margie for her positive attitude and wise cracking sense of humor.
Bev (Finn) Beasley
Marty Hitchcock
September 28, 2011
Aunty was so special -- full of love, life, and fun. She loved every kind of music and she sang, played, directed, and taught it. She created beautiful knit afghans and hats for all of her loved ones (including me). Aunty loved me and always gave me big loving hugs. She call me "Dear." Oh, Aunty, I love you.
Franny Kane
September 28, 2011
So sad to hear of Marge's passing. She was a wonderful lady, a great mom, and she could knit a hat faster than anyone on Earth. You kids were so lucky to have her! My heart goes out to you all. She was a beautiful person. I'm so sorry for your loss. xo
Gail Kruckeberg
September 28, 2011
Your wisdom and understanding were endless. Your unconditional love was always ready and available. How could someone be so brillant, funny, clever, creative, talented and yet be humble. You always looked at the brighter side of life. YOU were a perfect Auntie and I feel the void. I LOVE YOU AUNTIE!!!
Sandy Sherman/Williams
September 28, 2011
Living all the way across the country, it's been hard to visit over the years. But I have Marge to thank for sending me some trinkets and paintings of my fathers that I will always treasure. After all these long years, she is with her brother again, as well as husband and son. Rest in peace Auntie Marge
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