Helen June DeVos (née Van Wesep; February 24, 1927 – October 18, 2017)[1] was an American philanthropist and political donor. She was the wife of Richard DeVos, co-founder of Amway beauty and home care products company and owner of the Orlando Magic basketball team. She was the mother-in-law of U.S. Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos.[2]
Helen June DeVos | |
|---|---|
_01.jpg) Devos and her husband with President Gerald Ford, 1974 | |
| Born | Helen June Van Wesep February 24, 1927 Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S. |
| Died | October 18, 2017 (aged 90) Ada Township, Michigan, U.S. |
| Education | Frankfort High School |
| Alma mater | Calvin College |
| Occupation | Philanthropist |
| Spouse | Richard DeVos (1953-2017) |
| Children | |
| Relatives | Betsy DeVos (daughter-in-law) |
Early life edit
Helen June Van Wesep was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on February 24, 1927, to George and Wilma (Burggraaff) Van Wesep. Her family moved to Frankfort, Michigan, when she was a teenager and she graduated from Frankfort High School.[2][3][4] She had also attended Grand Rapids Christian School.[5][6]
She attended Calvin College where she received a degree in education.
Career edit
She worked as a teacher until she married when she moved to Ada, Michigan.
Helen DeVos served on the board of directors of the Grand Rapids Symphony and the St. Cecelia Music Center.[7]
Personal life edit
She married Richard DeVos in 1953.[2] They lived next door to Jay van Andel and his wife Betty. Richard and Jay were high school friends who had gone into the Nutrilite sales business together, before starting Amway in 1959.
They had three sons, Dick, Dan, and Doug, and a daughter, Cheri DeVos. All four siblings are active in the family businesses and charities.
Death edit
Helen DeVos died at her home in Ada Township on October 18, 2017, aged 90, from complications from a stroke following a recent diagnosis of myeloid leukemia.[4]
Legacy edit
It was reported at the time of her death that the DeVos family had made donations of "more than $1.2 billion over the years".[3] The Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation was a major focus of the DeVos family philanthropy. Helen was especially active in charity to children, education, and music. The Helen DeVos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids is named after her.[8] Other named buildings include Richard and Helen DeVos Japanese Garden at Frederik Meijer Gardens, the Richard and Helen DeVos Fieldhouse at Hope College as well as the theater there named for her parents, George and Wilma Van Wesep.[9] The Helen DeVos Presidential Scholarship for study of music and the arts was created at Grand Valley State University. The Helen DeVos College of Education at Lee University is named for her.[10]
References edit
- ^ "Helen DeVos, Philanthropist Focused on Health, Christian Education and the Arts, Dies at 90". The Washington Post. October 20, 2017. Retrieved October 21, 2017.
- ^ a b c "Helen DeVos Dies at 90: Philanthropist, Political Donor and Mother-in-Law of U.S. Education Secretary". Los Angeles Times. October 19, 2017. Retrieved October 20, 2017.
- ^ a b "West Michigan Philanthropist Helen DeVos Dies". Mlive. Booth Newspapers. October 19, 2017.
- ^ a b "Helen DeVos, Grand Rapids Philanthropist, Dies at 90". Crain's Detroit Business. October 19, 2017. Retrieved October 20, 2017.
- ^ Nagengast, Kate (March 17, 2009). "DeVos gift to Grand Rapids Christian Schools relieves debt, puts schools on 'very stable financial ground'". MLive. Retrieved November 24, 2019.
- ^ "Remembering Helen DeVos". WWMT. October 19, 2017. Retrieved November 24, 2019.
- ^ Ashcroft, Brent (October 20, 2017). "Remembering Helen DeVos and Her Philanthropic Impact on Grand Rapids". Walker, MI: WZZM-TV.[permanent dead link]
- ^ Schneider, Keith (July 11, 2007). "Grand Rapids Lays Foundations for a Health Mecca". The New York Times. Retrieved October 21, 2017.
- ^ Oglers, Greg (October 19, 2017). "Helen DeVos Remembered for Lasting Impact on Hope". Hope College.
- ^ "Helen DeVos College of Education".
External links edit
- Helen DeVos, biographical website