With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Jean Marie Deveaux, age 66, of Port Hawkesbury, surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, February 19th, 2017. She was the eldest daughter of Thomas Burns, Margaree Harbour; beloved wife of Gerard Deveaux; adored mother of Lori-Ann (Glenn) Betts, Lawrencetown and Tony (Heather) Deveaux of New Waterford. Her grandchildren, Grace and Zoe Betts and Mitchell Deveaux were her pride and joy. She will be dearly missed by her sisters, Elaine Burns (Dave), Havre Boucher; Tishy (Billy) Tighe, New Victoria; Shelley (Darren) Harb, Port Hawkesbury; brothers, Gary (Lori), Port Hawkesbury; David (Evelyn) of Troy and Allan (Wanda) of Halifax. She was loved by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Jean Marie was a vibrant woman dedicated to her family, friends, the Legion and her faith. She was the heart and soul of our family, spending the past 3 years in Margaree Harbour caring for her father. She went out of her way to make everyone feel special, never forgetting a birthday or anniversary, and welcomed every new member to the family with open arms. She was a diverse individual with many live stage performances as a founding member of the Under the Map Acting Troup. She will be fondly remembered by all for her quick wit and sense of humor. Jean Marie joined the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 43 in 1986 and worked tirelessly in the interest of veterans. She held several positions with the legion on a local, provincial, and national level. A passionate member, Jean Marie broke barriers by becoming the first female Associate Member to be elected President of the Nova Scotia / Nunavut Provincial Command. In 2012 she was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal with Palm Leaf, the highest award bestowed in the Royal Canadian Legion. Jean Marie will be remembered for her moving speeches and the ability to get the job done. She was an excellent writer and wrote articles for The Torch, a quarterly newspaper published by the RCL. In one of her many articles she wrote "There is no better feeling than knowing you have given back to those who obtained and maintain our freedom and peace." She leaves behind her lifelong friend, Linda MacQuarrie, and special friends, Rosalie Hann and Ruth Nash. She is also survived by her mother, Agnes Burns of Halifax. Special thanks to all Legion Comrades, Executive of NS/Nunavut Provincial Command, and the parishes across Cape Breton who remembered Jean Marie in their prayers these last few weeks. Visitation will take place in Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, 724 Granville St, Port Hawkesbury Friday, February 24, from 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. and from where a Royal Canadian Legion tribute service will take place from 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Funeral mass will be held Saturday, February 25 at 10 a.m. from St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Port Hawkesbury with Father Conrad Edwards officiating. Donations in Jean Marie’s memory may be made to the RCL NS/NU benevolent fund providing assistance for veteran’s services. https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/the-royal-canadian-legion-nova-scotianunavut-command-ben/ Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at: www.haverstocks.com Visitation Information Visitation Friday, February 24, 2017 Visitation Time 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. with Legion Tribute from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Visitation Location Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, 724 Granville St. Port Hawkesbury Service Information Service Date Saturday, February 25, 2017 Service Time 10 a.m. Service Location St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Port Hawkesbury Burial Information Burial Location St. Joseph Parish Cemetery, Port Hawkesbury