Nancy (Phillips) DeVaul Obituary

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Nancy (Phillips) DeVaul (Eugene, Oregon), born in Port Huron, Michigan, who passed away on September 22, 2023, at the age of 76, to a happier place. She leaves behind several generations of a family, and will be very missed.

Nancy is remembered by many for her beautifully bold personality. Her lipstick lined smile brightened peoples' days for many years. As a young lady, she loved to dance and party, even going as far as to make her own costumes. The free-spirited woman met her husband, Ed, at a dance. She married him at the age of 16, and soon after gave birth to her beloved daughters. Nancy was a manager at K-Mart and TJ Maxx for many years and adored her position. After her retirement, she retained her love of fashion and all things shiny. She enjoyed television, painting, drawing, knitting, gardening, and a good long talk.

As a parent, Nancy is remembered as a supportive, loving woman, whose home was always open to them. Many a time, Nancy's family leaned upon her, her husband, and her sister when things got rough. Nancy was always there with a hug, whatever snacks she could offer, and a listening ear. She was very sensitive and could cry at the drop of a hat. But was a very strong woman at heart and had survived many things.

Her grandchildren remember her assistance in rearing them. When they were very young, they and their mother moved in with Nancy and her husband. She would sing them lullabies, give them a small cup of tea, and tell them stories until they fell asleep. And of course, she loved fairies. Nancy continued to support them for the rest of her life, any time they needed, regardless of any differences. Nancy kept an open-door policy, encouraging her grandchildren to bring their friends and significant others.

In her later years, she kept a thriving indoor garden, including a monstera plant that she had nurtured to an incredible size. She continued to paint, though it became more difficult for her. Nancy also sent out hand drawn Minion cards whenever there was an occasion to do so. She kept up with her health and therapist and began to work with others seeking therapy as a peer support specialist. Nancy just wanted to see people smiling.

Near the end, Nancy's family gathered around her to hug her and kiss her and tell her how much they loved her. They shared stories of happier times and surrounded her with flowers and herbs. Her husband, sister, children, grandchildren, and even her great grandchildren came to remind her of how much she meant to them, including her newly born great granddaughter. Her other great granddaughter had picked her flowers, and placed one behind her ear, earning the upturn of the corner of Nancy's lips. They loved her, as well.

When Nancy had passed away, she was taken to the funeral home. To commemorate her love of many colors (especially red), bright colors were worn to her wake at Musgrove Funeral Home on September 25th., 2023. As per her wishes, Nancy has been cremated. Her ashes are to be spread somewhere personal and lovely, on a later date.

To honor her memory, messages and photo posts are encouraged. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Signature Hospice or other hospice related charities. Thank you.