Sr. Emily Devine
November 16, 1938 ~ May 3, 2021
Sister Emily Elizabeth Devine, RSM, 82, died on May 3, 2021, at the Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha, Iowa, after a brief illness. A private service will be held on Thursday, May 6, 2021 at 10:00 A.M. The committal service will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Cedar Rapids at 1:30 P.M. Services for family and the extended community will be celebrated at a later date. Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services are serving the needs. The link for Funeral Service via Zoom is available on Sr. Emily's tribute wall.
Sister Emily was born on November 16, 1938, in the farming community of Corwith, Iowa. She was the daughter of Bernard and Eleanor (Reding) Devine. Sister Emily grew up with two sisters and four brothers. She had a loving family who shared a love of sports and time together.
Sister Emily attended Woden Public School in Woden, Iowa, and received state honors in basketball. Sister Emily graduated high school in 1958 and entered the Cedar Rapids Regional Community of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas shortly after.
Sister Emily spent the early years of her Religious life working in the library, at the switchboard and in housekeeping at Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa (1962-1973). She continued her ministry at Kalispell General Hospital, Kalispell, Montana (1973-75) and Methodist Hospital, Minneapolis, Minnesota (1975-76). During this time, she completed coursework for her B.A. in Human Services at Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and graduated from Metropolitan State University, in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1979.
She began pastoral work at St. Mary Hospital in Minneapolis (1976-78) and then served at Holy Trinity Parish, South St. Paul, Minnesota (1979-82) and St. Cecilia Parish, Ames, Iowa (1982-84). Feeling a need for more counseling education, Sister Emily subsequently completed a one-year Clinical Pastoral Education program in Allentown, Pennsylvania (1984-1985). She continued her pastoral work at Mercy Hospital, Iowa City (1986-94) and became the director of Pastoral Services at Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott, Kansas (1994-97) and then went on to serve as chaplain at Mercy Medical Center, Mason City, Iowa (1997-2009). She retired in 2009 and continued to be a volunteer minister.
Sister Emily was always passionate about peace and justice issues. Some of her accomplishments included assisting opening a men and women's homeless shelter in Mason City, Iowa, initiating the Mercy Associate Program in Mason City, Iowa (which was available for 15 years), and volunteering her time to organizations related to immigration and anti-trafficking. Sister Emily was an active board member of Fresh Start Jail Ministries at the time of her death. In keeping with Sister Emily's loving and generous spirit, it was her decision to donate life so others may live it through the Iowa Donor Network. Sister Emily was a vowed member of the Sisters of Mercy for 62 years. She was grateful to the Sisters of Mercy and the many friends she made over her years of service.
In addition to the Sisters of Mercy, Sister Emily is survived by siblings Judy Devine, Eagan, Minnesota and Don Devine, Lake City, Iowa; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Bernard and Eleanor; siblings Dale, Richard, Gerald and Joan.
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Sister Emily was so wonderful–we loved it when she came to Burlingame and stayed for a while. I know the Lord Jesus will give her some rest and then power her back in the works of Mercy from her new vantage point. With love and thanks, Jean
Sister Emily was a high school classmate and lifelong friend of my parents, John (she always called him “Johnny”) and Karen Monson. When we were younger and she was dressed in her full habit, she looked a little intimidating, but I never remember her without a friendly smile on her face. Some of the stories we heard about her various antics, such as praying she didn’t get caught with a squirt gun in her pocket during chapel, didn’t sound especially “religious” to us Lutheran girls, but she always had a fun and playful personality. I am sad to hear of her passing and will miss her, but imagine she’s having a joyous reunion in heaven! Fondly, Kris Monson
Sister Emily was always delightful to be around. She always had the answers to questions at the Associate’s Picnic in the summer. May she rest in peace. Malinda Poduska, Lifetime Associate of the Sisters of Mercy.
Sister Emily was always delightful to be around. She always had the answers to questions at the Associate’s Picnic in the summer. May she rest in peace. Malinda Poduska, Lifetime Associate of the Sisters of Mercy.
I first met Sister Emily when I joined the Fresh Start Jail Ministry Board of Directors, of which Sister Emily had already been a Board Member for several years. I have never met a person who could get so many people to volunteer and donate to the cause like Sister Emily – in fact, I’m not aware that anyone had ever refused her “arm twisting with a smile.” Sister Emily was funny, sweet, energetic, tenacious and a model for Christian life and love. While we are greatly saddened by her passing, we also know she has certainly been justly rewarded for her life’s efforts. Much love and prayers going your way Sister.
Sister Emily was always a joy to see when I worked in the Campus Ministry Department. She made me feel so welcome when I would visit Sacred Heart and answer any questions I had during my time in Campus Ministry. She will be missed dearly.
Sister Emily was our HS friend & served us as a Mercy One Chaplain in Mason City when we or our friends or family were pts there. She was such a special person & I know all who knew her will miss her so much. But, we can look forward to seeing her again, someday……AMEN! (she always ended her prayers with a very, loud AMEN:-)
Emily was always untiring -untiring in organizing a helping caring hand to those in need. Her passion for building a just, peaceful world was evident. Her joy in the resurrected life is boundless. May her family and Mercy family’s sharing of memories bring all comfort.
Dear Sisters of Mercy and Devine Family. I was saddened to read about Sister Emily. We co-facilitated a support group for stroke survivors at Mercy Iowa City. Sister Emily’s compassion, humor and kindness were essential ingredients to the group’s vitality. Her work within the Mercy Iowa City Pastoral Care Department was outstanding and set the standard for what patients and staff could expect from a chaplain. Her interest and energy in making the world better never ended. Several years ago she spoke at Mercy Iowa City about anti-human trafficking efforts in Iowa by herself, truck drivers. legislators and her community. I admired how she was not afraid of new challenges to end evil, hardships, and injustice. She seemed fearless in so many ways. When I attended her jubilee I heard many stories of her dedicated work at Mercy Mason City – she has many nurse fans. I know she enjoyed her family time and tried to make as many events as she could – I think baseball is a Devine past time. My uncle was a parish priest at one of her brother’s parish (Estherville) and we both always found people we knew in common (I grew up in western Iowa). To me, Sister Emily exemplified the legacy of Catherine McAuley and role modeled how to do those spiritual and corporal works of mercy. Peace and pause to you as you celebrate the love and life of Sister Emily. I know the angels welcomed her with an Irish tune. My life was enriched by my friendship with Sister Emily.
Sr. Emily was always so welcoming to those of us who came to Sacred Heart for Mass. I miss her and all the sisters whom I used to see on a daily basis. May Sr. Emily be at peace in God’s love. “Well done good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Father’s house. “ ❤️Roxann Sorenson
I was saddened to read about Sister Emily. I’m very proud of Sister Emily Devine’s accomplishments. Sister Emily and I shared all 12 years of school together. During grades 1-5 in country school we were the only students in the class. We graduated from Woden Public High School in a class of 15 students. Living in Cedar Rapids since 1959 Emily and I have stayed in touch. Sister Emily will be greatly missed. A close friend – Forrest Kramer
Sr. Emily was one of my mentors when it came to social justice. I will miss her sage advice and her warm smile.
She was a very special person. I always enjoyed visiting with during her years at Mercy in Mason City. I always looked forward to her Christmas card and felt honored to be included in her prayers and thoughts. Inez Eden
I met Sr. Emily at a Mercy Gathering years ago. She made a lasting impression on me, as she was a passionate advocate for associates. I know the Devine welcomed the Devine with open arms. Carol Conway, Chicago
I knew Sister Emily from her years at Mercy Iowa City and attendance at Iowa Hawkeye Women’s basketball games. She will be truly missed.