Silvija K. Devine

DEVINE--Silvija K. Silvija K. Devine, a cherished wife, devoted mother, grandmother and aunt, generous philanthropist and patron of the arts, a dear friend and beloved member of the community, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2024, at the age of 83, at home surrounded by her loving family. Born on July 9, 1941, in Riga, Latvia, Silvija was the daughter of Veronika Valainis and Viktor Kutlets. At the age of three, Silvija and her mother had to flee Latvia during WWII during the Russian invasion, and they survived for the next six years, 1944-1950, the last five years in a displaced persons camp in Germany, where they endured great uncertainty with grace and resilience. In 1950, Silvija and her mother Veronika emigrated to the United States, finding a new beginning in Davenport, Iowa, where Veronika worked as a nanny, cook, and seamstress for a local banking family while Silvija, age 9, learned to speak English that first summer from the two young brothers in the family (and the television). Silvija adapted quickly to her new homeland, immediately excelling in her studies and becoming an insatiable reader. Her mother was such a fine seamstress, in 1953, Veronika was recruited by the Singer Sewing Machine Company and relocated the family to the Washington, DC area. Silvija was educated at Academy of Holy Names H.S. (1955-59) and Trinity College (1959-63) graduating with a B.A. in History, where she further cultivated her passion for reading and expanded her boundless intellectual curiosity. Saturday, November 24, 1962, Silvija met the love of her life, Brian Devine, on a blind date for a dance at Trinity. On Saturday, June 13, 1964, Silvija and Brian were wed at St. Michael's Church in Silver Spring, Maryland, and began a six decade long adventure together, creating a life rich with love and unwavering in commitment and devotion. Their first child, Brian Jr., was born in George Washington Hospital in Washington, DC on July 3, 1967. Their second child, Brooke Katherine Devine, was born on June 22, 1971 in El Camino Hospital in Mountain View, California, while Brian was beginning his retail career at Toys "R" Us. The family settled in Saddle River, New Jersey in 1977, which was one of the happiest periods of her life. Silvija loved raising her kids in New Jersey and was an outspoken leader in the League of Women Voters and supporter of her children's (and husband's) favorite sports and hobbies. Silvija and Brian have been active patrons of the arts, and aficionados of music and theater, since the beginning of their marriage. While in Washington, DC, in 1964, they supported the Corcoran Chamber Music Society and, in 1965, the Arena Stage. In 1970, it was the American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) in San Francisco. In 1978, after moving to New Jersey, it was the Roundabout Theater Company in New York. In 1990 the Devine family began a move out West, with Silvija and Brian settling in Rancho Santa Fe, California, where they have happily lived for nearly 35 years. It was here that Brian furthered his retail career at Petco, while Silvija widened the scope of her charitable contributions and took an active role in her philanthropy. Silvija served on the Boards of the Canine Companions of Independence (CCI), the La Jolla Music Society (LJMS), and the Old Globe Theatre and was a tireless supporter of the La Jolla Playhouse, San Diego Rep, Mainly Mozart, the San Diego Symphony, ECHO Chamber Music Society, San Diego Early Music Society, the San Diego Film Festival, the Woodstock Film Festival and many more arts organizations. As well as being a generous donor to her college Alma Mater, now known as Trinity Washington University. Silvija and her husband attended weekly plays and musical performances, playing a pivotal role in fostering and promoting the performing arts in San Diego, engaging with the performers and organizers and often opening their home to visiting artists. They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary "Diamond Jubilee" this past June, surrounded by friends and family, serenaded by rock legends The Cowboy Junkies. It was a fittingly glorious affair. Silvija was known for her kindness, resilience, and generosity as well as her tireless, unwavering loyalty to her family, her endless curiosity, her boundless love of books, but most of all, she was best known for her uncanny, deadpan sense of humor. She was "a pistol". The smartest, most well read and most morally sound person in any room she was in. A hilarious truth teller, with a refreshing candor that was bold and sincere. Silvija leaves a legacy of love, intelligence, spirit, tenacity and integrity, and her memory will be deeply cherished by all who had the honor of knowing her. Silvija is survived by her beloved husband, Brian Devine, her two children, Brian Jr. and Brooke, her three grandchildren, Nathan, Brian III and Madeline Foster Devine and their mother, Suzanne Hasz, along with many nieces and nephews, an adoring extended family and many, many friends and loved ones.