Mary C. Devers, Scranton, died Monday evening in the Geisinger Community Medical Center after an illness.
Born Jan. 22, 1935 in Scranton, she was the last remaining child of the late Patrick and Mary McCarthy Devers. A lifelong resident of Scranton, Mary was educated in the Scranton School District, graduating in 1952. She earned her Bachelor of Science in education in 1972 and Master of Science in reading in 1983, both from the University of Scranton. Mary was proud to work as an administration secretary in the Scranton School District for over 57 years. Upon her retirement, she was lauded as a hard worker and a wonderful person, always offering advice and kind words to everyone in the administration building. She was fondly referred to as “the boss.” Her commitment to education was also evident by her work as a teacher in the ABE and GED program at the Adult Institute for the Scranton School District.
Mary enjoyed various hobbies such as crafts, ceramics, and cooking, and was an avid reader. She cherished sharing these activities with her nieces and nephews. A woman of deep faith, she was a devoted member of Immaculate Conception Church, attending Mass regularly with her dear brother Paul “Butch” Devers.
Mary was known by all for her loving and feisty disposition. She always began a conversation by asking “how are you?” and she genuinely needed to know. Until her last days she surprised family, friends, and strangers with her sarcastic humor and frankness. She always ended a visit abruptly by saying “get going,” whether not wanting to take too much time away from other loved ones or responsibilities or simply concerned about the safety of the trip home. Of course, she always followed with “make sure you call me when you get there.”
As difficult as it has been for Mary’s family and friends to tell her to get going, we know she is now home.
Surviving are her numerous loving nieces and nephews and their families, including Kathy Mayer, Kevin Devers, Robert Devers, Christopher Devers, Jay Devers, and Mary Ellen Devers; and sister-in-law, Kathryn Devers. She was also blessed with many close friends throughout her life.
She was preceded in death by sisters, Dorothy and Patricia Devers; brothers, Patrick, Joseph, Robert, and Paul; nephews, Sean Devers and Martin Devers; and nephew-in-law, Michael Mayer.
Mary’s family would like to extend their gratitude to the nurses and aides at Clarks Summit Senior Living and Geisinger’s seventh floor for their care and compassion during her illness.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, Oct. 4 at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 801 Taylor Ave., Scranton by Father Patrick J. McLaughlin. Friends may call from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass in the church. Interment with her beloved family in the Cathedral Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Joseph’s Center, 2010 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA 18509.