Caroline Concetta DeVale

1916 - 2018

Caroline, age 101, died in Florida on June 27, 2018, following a short illness. Born in 1916 in Chicago of Italian parents, Concetta and Pasquale Palma, Caroline married John DeVale in 1935 and they made their home in River Forest IL. She graduated from Rosary College, now Dominican University, in 1937, both as the first married woman and the first mother to do so. She earned a BA is in English Literature and Drama, later receiving an MA in Business. Caroline taught grammar school for 20 years in Des Plaines and North Lake, all the while active in Chicago-area art and charitable organizations. Among these, she was a choreographer for the first Italian Debutante Ball and remained a member of the women's Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans long after. In 1978, Caroline moved to St. Pete Beach, FL where she was active in volunteer work for cultural, charity and community affairs for nearly 40 years, including the Catholic Daughters of St. John Vianney Chapter, the Florida Symphony, and especially the now St Petersburg Opera Company. For her devotion to them all, she was elected to be a "Princess" by The Queen's Court, an organization honoring women who exemplify service, leadership, and heart. Caroline had personal passions for travel and for collecting exotic and wonderful hats which she happily wore at every possible chance. Caroline was sadly preceded in death by her three younger siblings: Anthony Palma (Irma), Angela White (Dr. Ralph), and Caesar Palma (Mary). Caroline is survived by her 3 children: Donald DeVale (Bonnie), Sue Carole Carter, Ph.D. (Donn), and Jeri DeVale, Ph.D.; by 6 grandchildren: Bonita DeVale Swanson, (Michael), Jeanmarie DeVale Malherbe (Michael), John Peter DeVale (Kobey), John Philip Harding III (Susan), Martin Joseph Harding II, and Caroline Winter Carter; by twelve great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Mary Palma; and 20 nieces and nephews. A private interment and celebration of her life will be held in Chicago for family only. To see a collection of some 150 photos of her life and family, to offer condolences to the family, or to find a more complete story of her participation in these and other organizations, please go to https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/st-pete-beach-fl/caroline-devale-7897418