Ruthie, thank you so much for the opportunity to express our thoughts and feelings about Devon. If all the people who knew and loved Devon took the opportunity to share their feelings and memories at “the celebration of her life”, we would be there for hours-laughing and crying. I have been blessed to have known Devon since she was a baby, really. Our mothers met when her older brother Cory and I were newborn infants. My earliest memory of Devon was on a trip my family took to visit her family in Clovis. We were hanging out in their apartment, having dinner one night. She must have been pretty young, because, during the dinner preparation she asked “what’s for ‘zert’ mommy”. Chantal and I still talk about how cute that was.
The next time I remember seeing her was on a trip I took up to Santa Barbara for a visit one weekend, it was before her trip to Europe, we had a fun time hanging out at one of the local bars. It was amazing b/c we had such a great time that weekend. It was as if it had only been a week or so (versus the years it had actually been).
I can remember when I got the news about the cancer diagnosis. I was in total shock! I took a trip to Long Beach w/my mom to visit her in the hospital. I think it was the 1st day after her 1st surgery. I had spoken to her on the phone and had asked her if she liked sushi (which she had). When my mom and I entered the hospital room (she had been out of the room at the time for PT or OT) neither one of us knew what to expect. About 10 min later, she walked in (with minimal assistance) w/her walker w/a HUGE smile on her face. We asked how she was feeling, she said “pretty well”. We dined on sushi and Snapple, and painted her finger nails. It was a good visit.
I came out several times to visit her at her Long Beach place (the apt they moved into after the fire). On one occasion, (after the 2nd surgery), we walked across the street to the restaurant for lunch. I remember asking her how she was feeling-physically. She said “pretty well, my balance is off a bit, but ok”. She always had a smile on her face. In typical-strong willed Devon style-she refused any help offered, and we walked across the street for lunch. I think that was the same visit we hung out and watched “American Idol” on the DVR. She was SO excited about the show, she LOVED it. ; ) (which was fun for me to see b/c I wasn’t all that into it). No matter what she was going through (between the cancer and the apartment issues) her spirits were ALWAYS high. Several times I was able to help her out (at least she was nice enough to say I helped J) with her diagnosis. She would ask me about medication regimens or experimental treatment the doctors were looking at and the results of her frequent lab work. Only once did I ever see the effects of the cancer hit her emotionally. On one of my visits in Long Beach (as she worked on her laptop-getting herself back to work so that she could maintain a level of normalcy and her medical insurance), she spoke with her neurologist, who gave her the results of the most recent MRI. Devon cried for just a bit, and then shook it off.
The last time I saw Devon was about 1.5 months or so ago. I went out to Long Beach for one of our lunches, we went to some “Teriaki place” she said was good. The thing that NEVER ceased to amaze me was how GREAT her memory was-even after several brain surgeries. She directed us directly to the restaurant as I drove and got us back, I (half) joked that her memory was better than mine was, and I didn’t even have an excuse. We had a good time talking about our families and the stresses of life. I still can’t believe she’s gone, I’m going to miss her regular blogs and our lunches, her spirit and her smile and her enthusiasm for life and American Idol.
God Bless.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Devon: The Summit of Life
It is neither the highest nor the lowest of our successes or failures that measure our life, but rather our staying the course in loving, in caring, in sharing and in giving that defines our place in the human drama. Devon did just that. She was content in finding peace within herself, knowing The Maker was well pleased.
Throughout her life, she always sought and seized opportunities to better herself and those around her. Driven by a powerful, positive spirit, deep-seeded within her, she was able to both understand and blend logic and realization in a visionary way so few can do. The enormity of her short life, the impact she had on others, her endless well of spiritual energy—all were evangelistic-like, revealing a complete commitment to both create or take on tasks, whether personal or in her chosen field of education. Devon had a gifted-way of seeing end results, the possibilities down the road, undaunted by the obstacles in her path or other events that might undermine an outcome.
Devon was The Summit of Life. She lived as The Power Beyond asks us to live—loving each other, caring, sharing and giving. She stayed the course to her journey’s end. On bended knee, bidding Devon farewell, I pray that her spirit will remain with us, now and forever.
Jeremiah Anthony Markert
Uncle
Throughout her life, she always sought and seized opportunities to better herself and those around her. Driven by a powerful, positive spirit, deep-seeded within her, she was able to both understand and blend logic and realization in a visionary way so few can do. The enormity of her short life, the impact she had on others, her endless well of spiritual energy—all were evangelistic-like, revealing a complete commitment to both create or take on tasks, whether personal or in her chosen field of education. Devon had a gifted-way of seeing end results, the possibilities down the road, undaunted by the obstacles in her path or other events that might undermine an outcome.
Devon was The Summit of Life. She lived as The Power Beyond asks us to live—loving each other, caring, sharing and giving. She stayed the course to her journey’s end. On bended knee, bidding Devon farewell, I pray that her spirit will remain with us, now and forever.
Jeremiah Anthony Markert
Uncle
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Michelle Syverson
What a lovely young woman.
I came across Devon's obituary last weekend, was touched by such a young woman's tragic death and decided I would check out her blog...mostly out of curiosity. Being a fellow blogger I was interested in seeing Devon's and little did I know it would be like opening a good book.
What an incredible young woman who touched more lives than we can probably count. Through her love and passion for her friends and work she has left a behind a legacy.
As I read the numerous entries I found myself laughing and crying. I also was compelled to check her blog each day to see and view more of her incredibly short but well live life. It strikes me as odd that now I feel like she is a friend, probably because she could have easily been a friend of mine.
I find it heartwarming and sad at the same time that it can take the death of someone close to us to put our lives in perspective and look closely at what we value. Often the death of someone allows us an opportunity to dig deep inside ourselves and find what it was we really loved and valued about that person. Hopefully some of us now will take the time to tell those in our lives who are living how we truly feel...instead of waiting until they are gone.
With all this said I just want to pass along my sincere condolences to all who new this young lady and to thank those who are keeping her blog alive as a tribute to her. She was blessed to have so many loving people in her life.
May God Bless You!
I came across Devon's obituary last weekend, was touched by such a young woman's tragic death and decided I would check out her blog...mostly out of curiosity. Being a fellow blogger I was interested in seeing Devon's and little did I know it would be like opening a good book.
What an incredible young woman who touched more lives than we can probably count. Through her love and passion for her friends and work she has left a behind a legacy.
As I read the numerous entries I found myself laughing and crying. I also was compelled to check her blog each day to see and view more of her incredibly short but well live life. It strikes me as odd that now I feel like she is a friend, probably because she could have easily been a friend of mine.
I find it heartwarming and sad at the same time that it can take the death of someone close to us to put our lives in perspective and look closely at what we value. Often the death of someone allows us an opportunity to dig deep inside ourselves and find what it was we really loved and valued about that person. Hopefully some of us now will take the time to tell those in our lives who are living how we truly feel...instead of waiting until they are gone.
With all this said I just want to pass along my sincere condolences to all who new this young lady and to thank those who are keeping her blog alive as a tribute to her. She was blessed to have so many loving people in her life.
May God Bless You!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Karla Frizler Octavio's Eulogy
I’ll Never Forget You, Devon
By Karla Frizler Octavio
I am one of Devon’s colleagues and good friends. We taught together at Torrance Adult School, and I have been the liaison between Devon’s family and friends and the school throughout her illness. Something I’ve heard many times from Devon’s loved ones is how much they appreciate the love and support of Devon’s co-workers and students. I would just like to say on behalf of everyone at Torrance Adult School and TIMAC, it has been our pleasure to do anything in our power to help Devon and her family through this difficult time. And that love and support doesn’t end here. We are always here for you, whatever you need.
I remember the first time I met Devon. We had both just started working at Torrance, and she subbed for my Instructional Assistant. With very little guidance, she stepped into the classroom and immediately began helping students. She was warm and intelligent and creative. The students (and I) responded to her charm immediately.
Over the years, Devon & I exchanged ideas on an almost daily basis. Even when she was unable to work, she would email me ideas for class activities, or suggest topics for our class blog. I used every single one. We had such grand plans for our students, everything from interactive whiteboards in the classroom, to a “quad” or central gathering place on campus where students could meet and practice their English outside of the classroom.
One idea we were very excited about was creating an orientation video for new students. We wanted to make sure every student felt welcomed, and got the information they needed about the ESL program and the school. When Devon returned to work in May, her main focus was the Orientation. She did a great job, and in fact it is now installed on computers throughout the ESL classrooms, computer labs and registration areas. I will work with our students to make sure the orientation is updated regularly, and of course, that it is dedicated to Devon.
One of my favorite things about the video is that Devon had her students do the translations into various languages. It was a wonderful way for the students to give back to the program, and it was a nice way to honor the students’ accomplishments with the English language.
Devon was an old soul in the body of a beautiful young woman, wise beyond her years--but there were times when she reminded me of her age. We used to watch American Idol and send text messages to each other throughout the show. One time, Hall & Oates were featured. The next day, Devon asked me, “Who were those guys?” I asked, “What year were you born?” She said “1980,” and I told her I was 13 that year, listening to my Hall & Oates albums. I made her a Hall & Oates CD, and she made me a CD of Daughtry. It was a wonderful exchange.
Though we began our relationship with me as her mentor, the tables soon turned. I realized early on that I had a lot to learn from this amazing young woman. Devon was not only my colleague, but my good friend as well. In fact, she became like a sister to me. We became especially close when she filled in for me during my maternity leave. She would make a personal visit to my home to ask me any questions she had, which was so thoughtful. When I returned to work, she had made a collage of family pictures for me to keep in my office, because she knew I would miss my baby.
I was able to really focus on and enjoy my daughter because I knew Devon was taking care of business. And I tried my best to return that favor over the last year and a half. I wanted to make sure Devon could focus on getting healthy and spending time with her family, not worrying about work.
Just before her first surgery, Devon asked me to come to the hospital and see her. Knowing her work ethic, I asked if there were anything she needed me to take care of at work. She told me to get out a pen and piece of paper. I covered both sides with feverish notes about projects I didn’t even realize she was involved in.
I also tried to help Devon outside of work. In early September, my husband and I were thrilled that Devon and Noureddin could use our timeshare in Newport Coast. It was an opportunity for them to have a vacation, to just be together … in the sun … with good friends. We’re so glad they had that special time.
The most important thing I learned from Devon is to look at opportunities, and not obstacles. To see possibilities, not potential problems. This is not my nature, but it was certainly Devon’s nature … to always see the positive and the good. I will do my best to live up to her example, and to pass along that positive spirit to my students and especially my daughter. I will never let them forget our precious Devon.
When Devon’s mom met my daughter for the first time, she said, “Mia is just like Devon!” My heart filled with pride. If Mia turns out to be half the woman Devon was, she will have an incredible life and make a tremendous impact on people, just like her “Auntie Devon.”
I feel so blessed, so grateful, to have spent some time with Devon just before she passed. It was a beautiful gift. We laughed a lot and talked about silly things like Jell-O, having no idea it would be our last conversation.
Devon, I love and miss you very much. I will never forget you …
By Karla Frizler Octavio
I am one of Devon’s colleagues and good friends. We taught together at Torrance Adult School, and I have been the liaison between Devon’s family and friends and the school throughout her illness. Something I’ve heard many times from Devon’s loved ones is how much they appreciate the love and support of Devon’s co-workers and students. I would just like to say on behalf of everyone at Torrance Adult School and TIMAC, it has been our pleasure to do anything in our power to help Devon and her family through this difficult time. And that love and support doesn’t end here. We are always here for you, whatever you need.
I remember the first time I met Devon. We had both just started working at Torrance, and she subbed for my Instructional Assistant. With very little guidance, she stepped into the classroom and immediately began helping students. She was warm and intelligent and creative. The students (and I) responded to her charm immediately.
Over the years, Devon & I exchanged ideas on an almost daily basis. Even when she was unable to work, she would email me ideas for class activities, or suggest topics for our class blog. I used every single one. We had such grand plans for our students, everything from interactive whiteboards in the classroom, to a “quad” or central gathering place on campus where students could meet and practice their English outside of the classroom.
One idea we were very excited about was creating an orientation video for new students. We wanted to make sure every student felt welcomed, and got the information they needed about the ESL program and the school. When Devon returned to work in May, her main focus was the Orientation. She did a great job, and in fact it is now installed on computers throughout the ESL classrooms, computer labs and registration areas. I will work with our students to make sure the orientation is updated regularly, and of course, that it is dedicated to Devon.
One of my favorite things about the video is that Devon had her students do the translations into various languages. It was a wonderful way for the students to give back to the program, and it was a nice way to honor the students’ accomplishments with the English language.
Devon was an old soul in the body of a beautiful young woman, wise beyond her years--but there were times when she reminded me of her age. We used to watch American Idol and send text messages to each other throughout the show. One time, Hall & Oates were featured. The next day, Devon asked me, “Who were those guys?” I asked, “What year were you born?” She said “1980,” and I told her I was 13 that year, listening to my Hall & Oates albums. I made her a Hall & Oates CD, and she made me a CD of Daughtry. It was a wonderful exchange.
Though we began our relationship with me as her mentor, the tables soon turned. I realized early on that I had a lot to learn from this amazing young woman. Devon was not only my colleague, but my good friend as well. In fact, she became like a sister to me. We became especially close when she filled in for me during my maternity leave. She would make a personal visit to my home to ask me any questions she had, which was so thoughtful. When I returned to work, she had made a collage of family pictures for me to keep in my office, because she knew I would miss my baby.
I was able to really focus on and enjoy my daughter because I knew Devon was taking care of business. And I tried my best to return that favor over the last year and a half. I wanted to make sure Devon could focus on getting healthy and spending time with her family, not worrying about work.
Just before her first surgery, Devon asked me to come to the hospital and see her. Knowing her work ethic, I asked if there were anything she needed me to take care of at work. She told me to get out a pen and piece of paper. I covered both sides with feverish notes about projects I didn’t even realize she was involved in.
I also tried to help Devon outside of work. In early September, my husband and I were thrilled that Devon and Noureddin could use our timeshare in Newport Coast. It was an opportunity for them to have a vacation, to just be together … in the sun … with good friends. We’re so glad they had that special time.
The most important thing I learned from Devon is to look at opportunities, and not obstacles. To see possibilities, not potential problems. This is not my nature, but it was certainly Devon’s nature … to always see the positive and the good. I will do my best to live up to her example, and to pass along that positive spirit to my students and especially my daughter. I will never let them forget our precious Devon.
When Devon’s mom met my daughter for the first time, she said, “Mia is just like Devon!” My heart filled with pride. If Mia turns out to be half the woman Devon was, she will have an incredible life and make a tremendous impact on people, just like her “Auntie Devon.”
I feel so blessed, so grateful, to have spent some time with Devon just before she passed. It was a beautiful gift. We laughed a lot and talked about silly things like Jell-O, having no idea it would be our last conversation.
Devon, I love and miss you very much. I will never forget you …
Portia La Ferla's Eulogy
My name is Portia and I was Devon’s supervisor I want to tell you about Devon at work, a place where she was loved, admired, appreciated, indulged, and adored.
When Devon first came to the Torrance Adult School, she was a volunteer in the GAC media center. One of our teachers, Michael told me about her and said she’d be a good candidate for our staff. She didn’t yet have a teaching credential, so we signed her up as an instructional assistant. Mike and Karla kept saying that we really, really needed to hire her and how much the students loved her. So we did, and she did such a great job with the students that, as soon as she was credentialed, we hired her as a teacher. And then we just kept giving her everything she asked for. We didn’t even know how much that was until she went on medical leave and it took 3 people to do her job…inadequately, I might add. We were floored when we figured out how much she was doing and what information she had kept in her head!
Well, you all knew Devon. Anything she did, she did fabulously and, it would seem to us mortals, without effort. She took over the media center class and owned it. The students praised her to me on many occasions and remained in touch and supported her throughout her illness. Our ESL program was on the verge of change beginning with our hiring Karla to help us with instructional technology integration. Devon was all over that! She began helping with tech support. She took over Karla’s job when she went out on maternity leave. Richard Rose, her principal, and I nominated her to the CDE’s Technology Integration Mentor Academy where she learned to train others how to use technology to enhance ESL learning. No big deal? It is to us old teachers who had TVs without remote controls as our starting point.
As the ESL Resource Teacher, it is my job to keep the program moving forward. With Karla and Devon, I could not stop it from doing so. Those two would sashay into my office or set up a meeting with Richard and me and what could we do? Whatever they wanted! Our sole purpose seemed to be getting them whatever they needed to do whatever they had cooked up and ambushed us with. We laughed about how we always felt like our pockets had got picked or like we had once again lost the 3 card Monte they had swindled us in to playing. But it was so fun and exciting! That was Devon! She took everyone along on her wild ride. She would come bounding into my office many afternoons and I would drop everything for Ms. Divine. I had to in order to make sure she didn’t get away with the whole store before she left. Richard and I really had a hard time keeping up.
Those were the most wonderful times of my 10 years in this position. I’ve always enjoyed my job, but I LOVED my job those days. We had everything and everyone we needed to make our already solid program an educational jewel. Devon was making a name for herself throughout the state and I had no illusions that she would be with us forever. I thought she would end up in Sacramento before long. But I never expected to lose her this way. We have lost 6 teachers in the last 10 years, all of these losses hurt and were hard to accept, but Devon was our favorite niece. She stepped into our little home away from home and made herself one of the family helping to arrange celebrations and getting greeting cards for all occasions. She was disarming, managing to get whatever she set her mind to with humor, kindness, and firmness and was never resented. And OK, Karla and I used her. If we needed to get something done that the teachers might object to, we got Devon to do it. And once she was diagnosed with cancer, she gave us full permission to use that to our advantage, too. The ESL teachers showed how much they loved and cared about Devon by contributing enough of their own sick leave hours to keep Devon in paid status with benefits for over a year!
Speaking of getting her way…Devon wanted and desperately needed to return to work. She missed the mental stimulation that work provided for her more than she missed a paycheck. But you can’t work in Torrance if you have medical restrictions. I had to tell her that and it broke my heart. I knew her doctors would never give her a return without restrictions. Well, I underestimated Devon. Saturday, May 17th I got an email from her that said, “I can’t wait to share this with you. See attachment.” It was a return to work form without restrictions! I told her I did not even want to hear how she got it, but she replied, “Persistence, that’s all. See you Monday!” That’s all?! That’s ALL! I still don’t know how she did it.
For me it was the chance I never thought I would get, to work with her again, to see her every day, to experience her brilliance at work, and to have a chance to try to make life just a little easier for her. I was able to savor the moments with her as if I had been given a “do over.” We don’t get a lot of “do overs” in life but Devon gave me one I had never dared hope for. Devon’s return to my daily life reminded met that we must savor each day. Every time Devon climbed “Mount Everest” (what she called the ramp to my door) to come see me, competing emotions of joy at having her with us and regret at knowing our time together would soon end overwhelmed me. One of our coworkers who knows something about loss wrote to us this morning the most comforting words. She wrote, “A long time ago I learned that the value of a human life isn't measured in years, but rather by the amount of love given and received.”
I am so grateful for the privilege of having had such a remarkable young person as a friend and coworker and for the legacy that she left our ESL program.
One last thing: I would like to thank my dear friend, Lucia Gallante Johnson, for providing Devon with Reiki treatments that helped lift Devon in mind, body, and soul, and for the love and care she gave to my friend. Lucia’s healing art meant so much to Devon and I will forever be grateful to her.
When Devon first came to the Torrance Adult School, she was a volunteer in the GAC media center. One of our teachers, Michael told me about her and said she’d be a good candidate for our staff. She didn’t yet have a teaching credential, so we signed her up as an instructional assistant. Mike and Karla kept saying that we really, really needed to hire her and how much the students loved her. So we did, and she did such a great job with the students that, as soon as she was credentialed, we hired her as a teacher. And then we just kept giving her everything she asked for. We didn’t even know how much that was until she went on medical leave and it took 3 people to do her job…inadequately, I might add. We were floored when we figured out how much she was doing and what information she had kept in her head!
Well, you all knew Devon. Anything she did, she did fabulously and, it would seem to us mortals, without effort. She took over the media center class and owned it. The students praised her to me on many occasions and remained in touch and supported her throughout her illness. Our ESL program was on the verge of change beginning with our hiring Karla to help us with instructional technology integration. Devon was all over that! She began helping with tech support. She took over Karla’s job when she went out on maternity leave. Richard Rose, her principal, and I nominated her to the CDE’s Technology Integration Mentor Academy where she learned to train others how to use technology to enhance ESL learning. No big deal? It is to us old teachers who had TVs without remote controls as our starting point.
As the ESL Resource Teacher, it is my job to keep the program moving forward. With Karla and Devon, I could not stop it from doing so. Those two would sashay into my office or set up a meeting with Richard and me and what could we do? Whatever they wanted! Our sole purpose seemed to be getting them whatever they needed to do whatever they had cooked up and ambushed us with. We laughed about how we always felt like our pockets had got picked or like we had once again lost the 3 card Monte they had swindled us in to playing. But it was so fun and exciting! That was Devon! She took everyone along on her wild ride. She would come bounding into my office many afternoons and I would drop everything for Ms. Divine. I had to in order to make sure she didn’t get away with the whole store before she left. Richard and I really had a hard time keeping up.
Those were the most wonderful times of my 10 years in this position. I’ve always enjoyed my job, but I LOVED my job those days. We had everything and everyone we needed to make our already solid program an educational jewel. Devon was making a name for herself throughout the state and I had no illusions that she would be with us forever. I thought she would end up in Sacramento before long. But I never expected to lose her this way. We have lost 6 teachers in the last 10 years, all of these losses hurt and were hard to accept, but Devon was our favorite niece. She stepped into our little home away from home and made herself one of the family helping to arrange celebrations and getting greeting cards for all occasions. She was disarming, managing to get whatever she set her mind to with humor, kindness, and firmness and was never resented. And OK, Karla and I used her. If we needed to get something done that the teachers might object to, we got Devon to do it. And once she was diagnosed with cancer, she gave us full permission to use that to our advantage, too. The ESL teachers showed how much they loved and cared about Devon by contributing enough of their own sick leave hours to keep Devon in paid status with benefits for over a year!
Speaking of getting her way…Devon wanted and desperately needed to return to work. She missed the mental stimulation that work provided for her more than she missed a paycheck. But you can’t work in Torrance if you have medical restrictions. I had to tell her that and it broke my heart. I knew her doctors would never give her a return without restrictions. Well, I underestimated Devon. Saturday, May 17th I got an email from her that said, “I can’t wait to share this with you. See attachment.” It was a return to work form without restrictions! I told her I did not even want to hear how she got it, but she replied, “Persistence, that’s all. See you Monday!” That’s all?! That’s ALL! I still don’t know how she did it.
For me it was the chance I never thought I would get, to work with her again, to see her every day, to experience her brilliance at work, and to have a chance to try to make life just a little easier for her. I was able to savor the moments with her as if I had been given a “do over.” We don’t get a lot of “do overs” in life but Devon gave me one I had never dared hope for. Devon’s return to my daily life reminded met that we must savor each day. Every time Devon climbed “Mount Everest” (what she called the ramp to my door) to come see me, competing emotions of joy at having her with us and regret at knowing our time together would soon end overwhelmed me. One of our coworkers who knows something about loss wrote to us this morning the most comforting words. She wrote, “A long time ago I learned that the value of a human life isn't measured in years, but rather by the amount of love given and received.”
I am so grateful for the privilege of having had such a remarkable young person as a friend and coworker and for the legacy that she left our ESL program.
One last thing: I would like to thank my dear friend, Lucia Gallante Johnson, for providing Devon with Reiki treatments that helped lift Devon in mind, body, and soul, and for the love and care she gave to my friend. Lucia’s healing art meant so much to Devon and I will forever be grateful to her.
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