Ella Mabel DeVore

Dear family and friends, I am posting here some memories I wrote down of my beloved grandma, Ella DeVore. Rest in peace Gram -- you loved and were loved by so many.
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Most people who knew Ella will remember her as a sweet little old lady.' And she was. She wanted to connect with people. She loved people immediately and unreservedly - especially children. I remember throughout my childhood that she was a constant visitor. She was interested. She wanted to know what I was doing and thinking, and she shared her own experiences as an older person with me as if I were an adult. It was eye-opening to share our very different worlds with each other.

ButI also remember that this sweet little old lady had more layers. She was independent, resilient and hardworking, stubborn, practical, and she had an abiding Lutheran faith.

She flew out to my wedding in Nova Scotia at the age of 90, dancing using her walker. She hated when her hearing made it difficult to be in the center of the action at big family parties - not wanting to miss any fun or conversation.
She delivered Meals on Wheels to other elderly people and volunteering at her church and visiting and babysitting and helping her kids and grand kids - until she was nearly 90 years old.

She lost her first great love in WWII (when his boat capsized and he drowned), and then she lost their only daughter to a brain tumor shortly after. Her heart was broken but it still retained a great capacity for love. She later remarried and started again, having four more children with my grandfather, which led to 9 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. She maintained an unadulterated sense of joy and hope despite the traumas of her life.

She and I had a special friendship. We would spend real, juicy time talking, for as long as her mind and body allowed. I love her and am honoring her memory this week, laughing and crying. Wish I could be there with everyone! Debra

God bless you Great Aunt Ella!May you rest in peace

So sorry to the family for the loss of a special lady in their lives. But, so very happy for the hope we all have to see her again in the presence of Jesus!