Anne Devereux

Dear John and all of your and Anne's wonderful BIG family: I have only recently been informed of Anne's death and want to express my condolences to all of you. I am a La Leche League colleague living in Munich, Germany. Tonight I viewed the video of the lovely tribute and requiem mass you held in Dunedin. I think Anne loved what you did! It was a true picture of what this remarkable lady accomplished as a mother and public servant - for that is what she did: helping others in so many kind and dignified ways. John, I was privileged to visit you and Anne in March 2013 in Dunedin. You were wonderful hosts and made me and my partner so welcome. Many, many times I've told the story of Anne's *birthday book* - placed on a music stand in the hall, so she could see it each morning. She said, with so many children and grandchildren, she needed a bit of help keeping track...and I believe she never missed a birthday. We went with her to several while visiting you! Anne and I worked closely on the International Board of DIrectors from 1995 to 2000. Anne was one of the loveliest women in the whole world! I loved her humor and her laughter, (especially her dance as "Ginger and Fred" in a skit at a Board meeting) but also her wisdom and kindness when confronted with differing, sometimes rigid points of view. Alas, there should be many more Anne Devereuxs in this world - it would be a better place. Peace and love to you all from Welda Hoerz

Heard from Lynley Hood today of Anne’s passing. I remember with such clarity, Anne’s mentoring and joy in the « gentle art of breastfeeding ». The art of counselling , while occupied by one’s own active toddler, I learnt from Anne. The skill of peaceful protest I learnt from Anne. Unforgettable event when 23 breast feeding mothers gathered in the Arthur Barnetts coffee lounge in support of a colleague who had been ejected for breast feeding the week before. Thank you Anne, for a life of kindness, putting others first, and being there, for all of those who were not quite ready to « go it alone ».

My condolences to all of Anne's family. I haven't seen Anne for many years but still remember clearly the influence she had on my parenting. Under her mentoring I became a La Leche League leader in Dunedin and later Queenstown, and was able to pass on to other mothers her wisdom and gentle way of caring for babies and demanding toddlers. As the second child in a family of ten I have some appreciation of the load Anne carried, and she still found the time and energy to pour into the lives of others. The work she did had a tremendous ripple effect through the community. Always caring and smiling, encouraging and positive, she taught me so much. A good and faithful servant, and a life well lived. Farewell Anne.

Dear John, My deepest condolences to you and your family. I have said a mass for the repose of Anne's soul, and given her kindness and gentle piety, I believe we can have confidence that she is with her loving Lord. Please know you count on my prayers, and may God continue to bless and support you. Father Simon

Dear Char, John and all the Devs. My thoughts are with you at this very sad time. I will always have such fond memories of Anne and all the time I spent at Littlebourne Rd. She exuded warmth, and was always so welcoming to extras in the house. I particularly loved her sense of humour and I always think of her when I play a game of patience. A simply gorgeous lady who lives on in so many people. Much love to you all. xo

To the Devereux family, I’m so sorry to hear the sad news of your loss. Mrs Devereux (despite my age, this is always how she will be remembered!) was a truly special woman. I have such fond memories of my time at LBR, Mrs Devereux was always so welcoming to anyone who showed up at her door. The Kitchen being a hive of activity with good biscuits and bundles of people ready for a chat in the Kitchen, with your Mum making at the centre, making it all look so easy. She gave a great hug, managing to get even sullen teenagers to show some love and feel calmer when times were feeling tough. It was truly touching to see all the family (online) at the funeral and what a beautiful tribute to her life. My Mum had the same advice about the stairs 😉 Sending you all lots of love, Megan

I was saddened to learn this morning of Anne’s death. I didn’t know Anne well but certainly heard very kind things about Anne from her sister, Judith and also from my paternal Aunty Florence Stokes and my maternal Aunty Daphne Hannagan who both knew her well. My condolences to all who knew and loved Anne. RIP Mary Fraher Christchurch

Thank you Anne, what a gift you were to my mother Terrie and all our family. You were a person of action who helped so many with such grace and kindness. I am so grateful to you. Rest now. With love to John and all the family, Gennie

Rest in Peace dearest Anne. You have left so many happy memories which console and comfort me, and your acts of kindness and your gift for friendship leave me so grateful for all we shared. You are remembered with joy. Terrie.

Dear John and all the Devs, I was so very sad to hear about Anne and send deepest condolences to you all. Such a warm, kind, lovely woman who touched the lives of so many. What a privilege to have been able to share in this morning’s service, via livestream from Brisbane. Sending you a huge hug, John, and love from my family to yours, Anne (Oliver), Duncan, Gabby and Tobias Hall xxx

I was very sorry to hear of Anne's passing. I will always remember her kindness and warmth to me, an orphan from the Otago Boys Hostel who was always in her house. My thoughts are with Nick and Trish and all the Devereux family today.

Dear Devereux family, You have been part of our family and lives since 1961, we are so sad about Anne’s death. We will miss her dearly. We will be watching the funeral by live stream. Love, The Brady Family Boston, MA USA