ORLANDO, Fla. – Helen J. DeVos, the wife of Amway co-founder and Orlando Magic owner Rich DeVos, died Wednesday of complications from a stroke following a recent diagnosis of myeloid leukemia. She was 90.
“Helen was a wonderful wife and the heart of our family. She blessed my life in countless ways and always was an encourager to our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren," Rich DeVos said.
Recommended Videos
Helen DeVos is survived by her husband, Rich, children and spouses Dick and Betsy, Dan and Pamella, Cheri, and Doug and Maria; grandchildren and their spouses Rick and Melissa, Elissa and Nate, Andrea and Michael, Ryan, Cassandra and Heath, Sydney and Andrew, Cole, Hannah, Katie, Ben, Jessa, Addie, Dalton, Micaela and Jordan, Monreau and Olivia; and great-grandchildren Clara, Sloane, Remington, Richard, Wilhelmina, and Taggart.
Born Helen J. Van Wesep on Feb. 24, 1927, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Helen DeVos graduated from Frankfort High School in Frankfort, Michigan, and earned a degree from Calvin College in Grand Rapids. She married Rich DeVos on Feb. 7, 1953.
Helen DeVos volunteered her time and leadership to a number of causes and with her husband, Rich, donated generously through the Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation. The DeVos's supported scores of Christian churches and ministries along with health organizations, educational institutions and civic projects.
“Mrs. DeVos was the heartbeat of the DeVos Family. She volunteered her time and leadership to numerous causes and joined her husband as the team’s top cheerleader. Her legacy will certainly live on in both in the Orlando Magic's community efforts and philanthropic contributions, as well as in the way we strive to play the game with passion, integrity, while also bringing people together from all walks of life," Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins said in a statement.
The Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids is named in recognition of her lifelong advocacy for the health and wellness of families.