Michigan philanthropist Helen DeVos died Wednesday at 90 from complications from a stroke, Fox News noted.
The civic leader, whose son is married to U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, devoted much of her life to volunteering and assisting in various causes, including Christian churches and ministries, and was a strong supporter of children's health care and education.
DeVos was born in 1927 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and married her husband Rich DeVos, the co-founder of Amway and owner of Orlando Magic NBA team, in 1953.
According to the website helendevos.com, the couple donated millions of dollars to various causes and projects, principally through the Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation.
Music and children's care were causes she supported, including the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra and the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital.
"She always enjoyed giving money away," her son Dan DeVos said on the website. "It was a joy for her, to see the difference it could make. And she wasn't one for giving it away and then walking away. She was always engaged."
News of Helen DeVos' death has been greeted by a wave of tributes pouring in from those whose lives she has touched.
"Mrs. DeVos led a life of service and distinction that is an inspiration to all people," David Hooker, president and CEO of Meijer Gardens, one of the organizations assisted by Helen DeVos, said in a statement posted on Facebook. "…We are all very fortunate to be the beneficiaries of her generosity. We will miss her and are extremely thankful we could call Mrs. DeVos a friend."
"We have lost a great woman and a great friend with the passing of Helen DeVos," Bob Connors, president of Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, said, according to Health Beat.
He added that "gifts from Helen and her family helped create things here; special things like the new Helen DeVos Children's Hospital which opened in 2011."
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