116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
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Meri Devore
MERI D. DEVORE
Cedar Rapids
Meri D. Devore of Cedar Rapids went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 15, 2016.
She was born Jan. 3, 1961, in Carbondale, Ill., to Nancy and Stanley Mace.
Meri is survived by her husband of 24 years, Dennis; and their sons, Taylor and Patrick. She also is survived by her mother, Nancy Mace; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
She was 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 also was actively involved in the grief support group, The Mom Project, serving as vice president, on the board of directors and as message board 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 o'clock in the chapel at the Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy (315 18th Ave., Hiawatha, IA 52233). Following the memorial service, we will be releasing balloons at Four Oaks Aspergers Program (1924 D St. 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 also are welcome to eat lunch with us at the 16th Avenue Grill in Cedar Rapids. God bless you all.
The family requests memorials be sent to The Mom Project (308 N. 15th St., Murphysboro, IL 62966) or Four Oaks Aspergers Program (address above). For more information, visit momproject.org and fouroaks.org.
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