Dawn Marie Devoe

Dawn Marie DeVoe was born at Toledo Hospital on February 10, 1960.

She is the daughter of the late Rolla E. DeVoe and Ethel Eleanor DeVoe.

Rolla DeVoe was a journeyman tool and die maker 56 years at the Toledo Jeep Plant and served in the Army during World War II.

Eleanor DeVoe was a longtime member of the Church of God and retired as a bus driver with the Lucas County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.

Both Rolla and Eleanor DeVoe knew the Englers, founders of Sunshine Home, and their late daughter, Geraldine – who shared a very special bond with Dawn and her mother.

Her oldest brother, Nilian Emery DeVoe, preceded her in death as did her youngest brother, Todd Hayes DeVoe.

She is survived by brothers, Robert DeVoe and Dennis DeVoe and his family including wife, Debbie, daughter, Kristine, son, David and grandchildren, Alex, Harley and Scarlet.

Robert DeVoe has been Dawn's guardian since the passing of their mother in 2002.

Sunshine Home has been Dawn's home for over 45 years. She was one of the senior residents at the home and dearly loved by the staff who often called her the "Princess."

Dawn and her Mommie enjoyed a special bond. She was dearly loved by her Mother. They enjoyed her visits home when Mom played the organ and they sang familiar songs together. Mom was Dawn's rock star. She could never get enough of Mom's music and singing.

Everyone at Sunshine also knew Eleanor, Dawn's Mommie. Her bright smile, kindness and cheerful demeanor were appreciated. Mommie especially enjoyed taking cookies and ice cream to the Sunshine Home Castle Group residents and staff – especially on special occasions.

Dawn enjoyed music – especially Neil Diamond – and visits from her family. She enjoyed socializing with the staff and participating in Sunshine's many activities.

When Bob and his friend Jack Lambert visited she always looked forward to a walk and a stop by the chapel where Uncle Jack would play a song on the piano and Dawn would always smile.

She especially loved visits by outside musical groups and dances where handsome young fraternity brothers danced with Dawn in her wheelchair.

Dawn had an amazing sense of humor and especially liked teasing her brother, Bob. Her smile was infectious and would light up any room.

She enjoyed long walks in her wheelchair – especially along the boardwalk and like stopping at the animal barn to say hello to the critters.

The love and extraordinary care she received from the staff at Sunshine will never be forgotten by her family. She was truly considered special by the staff who often greeted her with a hug.

Sunshine staff members, Una Jones and Pam Rafferty were exceptionally kind and caring. They truly loved Dawn and went out of their way to make her comfortable and loved during her ordeal with dementia and other serious health issues.

Her entire Sunshine care staff, especially those from the Castle Group are saluted for providing Dawn with the love, care and support needed during her most difficult times. All truly loved Dawn and they went above and beyond the call of duty to make Dawn's life meaningful and comfortable. Dawn truly felt their sincere love and affection.

Dawn Marie brought joy to many. She was an absolute delight who despite her disabilities contributed greatly to the pleasure of others.

Dawn Marie DeVoe is in Heaven now with her beloved Mother. Mommie, your daughter is home. There is a new Angel in Heaven. God Bless our beloved Dawn Marie DeVoe and God bless all who contributed to her life and memory.

A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at the Sunshine Home Chapel, 7223 Maumee Western Road, Maumee, Ohio 43537.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any tributes be directed to the Sunshine Home in Maumee, Ohio in honor of Eleanor DeVoe and Dawn Marie DeVoe.