Lorene T. Devine

Lorene T. Devine

Lorene T. Devine, a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, and spirited woman of deep faith, passed away on March 12, 2026, at the age of 99.

Lorene was born on December 7, 1926, in Loyal, Wisconsin, to Joseph and Julia (Ystad) Hecker, the seventh of 10 children. Drawn early to caring for others, she entered nursing school near the end of World War II as a cadet nurse. She went on to serve in veterans' hospitals, and later worked primarily in infectious disease wards, including polio wards, where her compassion and strength were evident to all who knew her.

On October 3, 1953, Lorene was married to Andy Devine. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and community. They made a deliberate commitment to raising their family in Toledo's inner city, embracing a racially and culturally diverse neighborhood and instilling in their children values of acceptance, service, and respect for others.

Lorene and Andy raised six children, Patrick Devine (Cheryl), Mimi Devine-Touhey (Mike), James Devine (Kris), Paul Devine (Lynette), Laurie Jacob (Edward), and Jean Spinazze (Mark); and also lovingly welcomed foster daughter, Sophia Lloyd (Mark) into their family. In addition to her children, she also cared for, in her home, Andy's father, Dennis; and developmentally delayed brother, Dinny; and her own mother, Julia, until they passed. She was the proud grandmother of 19 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved dearly. Lorene often said that her greatest pride in life was the family she and Andy raised together.

Her faith was a cornerstone of her life. Lorene was deeply involved in her parish communities at Rosary Cathedral and St. Patrick of Heatherdowns. She also gave her time to the Women of the Old West End and served as a Girl Scout leader. After her children were older, she returned to nursing, working in a nursing home and at the old Campbell factory.

Lorene had a lively curiosity and loved learning new things. She taught herself to reupholster furniture, enjoyed floral arranging and gardening, and delighted in antique and thrift store shopping. She was funny and feisty, loved a good party, a good book, and genuinely liked people-accepting them as they were and always trying to see the good in them.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, faith, and service that lives on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Visitation will be held Sunday, March 22, 2:00-5:00 p.m., at Coyle Funeral home, at 1770 S. Reynolds Rd. The funeral Mass will be Monday, March 23, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Patrick of Heatherdowns Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society or St. Patrick of Heatherdowns church.

www.coylefuneralhome.com