Marian Devaney

The world shines a little less brightly with the passing of Marian Devaney, who left us on the morning of December 11, 2025, at the age of 66. Caring, compassionate, and endlessly giving, Marian devoted her life to the people she loved—and in doing so, she made the world a kinder, gentler place. All she ever wanted was to be a mother, and she fulfilled that calling with immeasurable joy and grace.

Marian grew up in Saddle Brook, New Jersey, the youngest child of Irene and Arthur Vaupel, and was spoiled and adored by her family. Her gentle nature made her an easy target for her older siblings, Andy and Mary, who often coaxed her into mischievous adventures, too numerous to count. She also spent magical childhood days in her beloved upstate New York town of Obernburg. With her lifelong best friend, Jeannie, she spent hours “playing house and school,” unknowingly preparing herself for the life of service, nurturing, and guidance she would later live so fully. Her friendship with Jeannie and Ritchie (and the Girls), as well as her lifelong friendship with Louise “Weezie” were some of the richest memories for her, through and through. Louise called Marian her “Besty out Westy” which always solicited a cacophony of laughter from the two of them.

Though not an adventurous child, Marian surprised everyone with the spirit she embraced in adulthood. After moving with her husband (Pat) and children from New Jersey to Idaho, she fell in love with the West—its mountains, rivers, and wide-open skies. She found joy in hiking, biking, rafting, skiing (which she tried, just for fun!), and just simply soaking in the sweeping sunsets of the Pocatello valley. Idaho became not just a place she lived, but a landscape that helped her flourish. Leaving the extended Devaney family in New Jersey was one of the hardest parts of moving to Idaho, as those relationships were among the great anchors of her life. Yet distance never lessened her closeness—she cherished her bonds with Frankie, Di, Judy and Frank, and she lovingly maintained these relationships, keeping those connections alive through constant care, laughter, and unwavering affection.

Marian was known to many as “Mrs. D” through her years as a beloved aide at Indian Hills Elementary. She poured her heart into that school, forming a connection with countless students and staff who adored her warmth and steady presence. Bringing comfort, encouragement, and laughter to her students was one of her great joys, as were the lifelong friendships she forged with the teachers and staff. When Marian planned her own birthday party and celebration of life for her 65th birthday in 2024, it was to be able to celebrate the wide and beautiful network of people who brought so much spark to her life.

A devoted mother and extraordinary foster parent, Marian found deep purpose in raising her three children. Parenting was her calling—her daily joy—and she approached it with unending love and learning. The loss of her son, John, was a heartbreak she carried with profound courage. Through Al-Anon, she found strength, healing, and a community that became a second family. The friendships she formed there were a source of light that helped sustain her. The additional loss of her husband, Pat took a toll on Marian and the family and she could not have endured without the love and support of everyone close to her during those times.

Marian treasured the time she spent with her older brother, Andy, with whom she shared a special bond—deepened by his steady presence and support during John’s earliest years and into his most difficult days, a kindness she carried close to her heart. Andy’s unwavering devotion made him an essential and beloved figure in the lives of all her children, a source of constancy they will always cherish.

During the last seven years of her life, Marian lived with renewed intention. Her bucket list became a celebration of presence and possibility. She sought adventure—rafting the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, biking in northern Idaho, tackling intricate puzzles with friends—and she embraced each day with her mantra: “choose joy.” She lived those words fiercely and beautifully. In the last few years, she leaned into her friends and all of the support at Hope Lodge in Utah, whom she loved dearly and helped prepare her for the most difficult road ahead.

Among her brightest joys were her children, John, Shawn and Zionay. She delighted in watching them grow, find themselves, and step into their own futures. She was endlessly proud of who they have become, and she looked forward with excitement to each new milestone in their lives. The kids and Marian also deeply loved their dog, Denver, a small silver and feisty “Schnoodle,” who would snuggle with Marian daily during the early days of her diagnosis.

In the final chapter of her life, Marian was held with extraordinary love and gentleness by her sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Willis McAleese (Pocatello), living with them through some of the darkest days and brightest moments. Through their care, attentiveness, and unwavering support, they created a space where she could flourish even in the midst of profound difficulty—offering her comfort, dignity, and a sense of home that sustained her through until the end.

Whether it was puzzling, playing nightly games of Rumicube (which she finally won a match fair and square just a few days before her passing!), or just sharing memories and laughs, Marian lived for the moment. The entire McAleese family (Danny (Shanea), Jessie (Jeremy), and Willis) extends their deepest gratitude for all the community help they received during these times, as it truly was an incredible journey.

Marian leaves behind a vast and loving network of family and friends in both New Jersey and Idaho (far too many to name) and all of whom will feel her absence deeply. Yet she also leaves all of us with a legacy—of laughter, compassion, resilience, and the daily intention to seek and choose joy, no matter the circumstance. Even the immediate and dear friendships she made in the last week of her life were profound and truly contributed to the joyous and important support for her transition from this world. Thank you to the loving friends at Heritage Hospice in Pocatello for this deep compassion and laughter.

Living life loudly and fully, her life was a testament to love and gratitude. She will be profoundly missed, and forever celebrated, one day at a time.

Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting the Guestbook below.