Meri Devore

Meri D. Devore, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 15, 2016. She was born January 3, 1961 in Carbondale, Illinois, to Nancy and Stanley Mace. Meri is survived by her husband of 24 years, Dennis, and their sons Taylor and Patrick. She is also survived by her mother, Nancy Mace, and a host of other aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. She is preceded in death by her father, Stanley Mace, and her son, Conner Ryan Devore. Meri gave her life to the Lord at an early age and continued a close relationship with Him. She was very actively involved in the grief support group ILAC (I Lost a Child). She was also actively involved in the grief support group, The Mom Project, and served as Vice President, she was on the Board of Directors, and she was the Messageboard Administrator. The Mom Project provides support to families affected by pregnancy and infant loss. They offer a variety of information and services including memorial gifts and personal and online support. Losing a child makes you feel so alone and having a group of other moms and dads to share your experience can make a difference in the rest of your life. You no longer feel alone. Meri personally affected the lives of many who then went on to help others in their grief journey. There will be a brief memorial service Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel at Hospice House of Mercy (315 18th Avenue, Hiawatha/Cedar Rapids, IA). Following the memorial service, we will be releasing balloons at Four Oaks Aspergers Program (1924 D Street SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404). If you are unable to attend and would like to take part, please release a helium filled balloon and watch it soar to heaven. Meri started this tradition in our family to release balloons to Conner, and it gives us solace watching them ascend to heaven. Now, Meri and Conner will be standing side by side to receive the balloons. You are also welcome to eat lunch with us at 16th Avenue Grill in Cedar Rapids. God bless you all. The family requests that memorials be sent to The Mom Project (308 N 15th Street, Murphysboro, Illinois 62966) or Four Oaks Aspergers Program (1924 D Street SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404). For more information, visit momproject.org and fouroaks.org.