Ruth Devaney

Obituary of Ruth Devaney

Ruth Mary Devaney passed away peacefully in Atascadero, California on December 26, 2011. She was born in Cowichan Station on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada on July 31, 1921 to Christina O'Connor and William Septimus Oldfield and was preceded in death by her brothers Arthur and William. After graduating as a registered nurse from St. Joseph's Nursing School in Victoria, she began her nursing career in Campbell River, British Columbia. An adventurous spirit who loved fishing and exploring new horizons, Ruth next worked at a hospital in Prineville, Oregon before moving to Santa Barbara in 1951 to work at St. Francis Hospital. It was there, in 1952, that she met Thomas Devaney at a dance sponsored by the Young Ladies Institute. They were married in 1953, making their home in Santa Barbara for the next 51 years, until his death in 2004. Ruth continued to work as a registered nurse at St. Francis and later moved to Goleta Valley Hospital where she worked for many years as a maternity nurse. She returned to St. Francis hospital, working in the surgical eye department until her retirement. She also worked side by side with Tom, helping him build beautiful homes in Santa Barbara, including the home on the Mesa where they raised their children Maureen (Craig) Clements, Kathryn (Darrel) Sanders, Kevin (Kathy) Devaney and Susan Corbin. Ruth loved living in Santa Barbara, spending many summer days at the beach with her children, jogging with her friends and collecting shells and rocks for her garden. Summers also included family camping trips and time spent with the family over the years at their vacation home at Lake Nacimiento. Ruth enjoyed traveling with Tom, and they made several trips to visit family in England, Ireland and Canada as well as many destinations throughout the United States. As much as she enjoyed traveling, Ruth always said she was happy to come home once again to her home and garden. She never grew tired of watching the sun set over the Pacific Ocean. Throughout her life, Ruth was always guided by and received great comfort from her strong belief in God and her devotion to her Catholic faith. Her family will miss Ruth's gentle and loving nature and the steadfast support she gave to all of our endeavors. She is also remembered with love by her nine grandchildren to whom she was an adoring Grammie: Amanda, Brian and Heather Clements; Vivien, Bridget, Cora and Rory Devaney; and Jared and Clare Corbin. Services will be held on Thursday, January 5, 2011 at Holy Cross Church, 1740 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara, CA. The Rosary will begin at 10:30 am, and will be immediately followed by the Mass of Christian Burial. Internment will be at Calvary Cemetery, 199 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara, CA.
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