On Sunday, May 31, 2009, at her niece's home in the Black Hills of South Dakota, (with her favorite "Puppy Dogs", Snuggles&Cherie by her side), Dolores Devney's life on Earth was peacefully completed. She was welcomed not only into the arms of her loving Savior, but by many precious loved ones, and friends, who had passed on before her.\r\nDolores Elaine Devney was born on August 29, 1920, in Des Moines, Iowa. She married Francis Devney on October 21, 1954, at Sacred Heart Parish in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. She worked as a Nurse Assistant at the Mount Washington Home in Eau Claire for 23 years. After losing her son, James Robert ("Skip") in the Vietnam War, Dolores devoted her life to many Patriotic organizations, and to her dear Veterans. She was a member, past-President, and also Chaplain, of the American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. She was also a lifetime member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Post #53, and the past Chaplain of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Veteran's Day, and any occasion to honor the Veterans, was a great day for her. We will always remember the many times she so gracefully tossed the wreath from the bridge on Memorial Day in Eau Claire. After moving to South Dakota to live with her niece, Doreen, she finally had the chance to see, in person, the Shrine of Democracy, Mount Rushmore. That was a very memorable day for her, and she continued to talk about how grand it was! All Veterans were considered to be 'her boys', as I know she will forever be 'Mom' to many of them.\r\nDolores enjoyed camping in their motor home with her son, Don, and his wife Gail, for many years. They developed many lifelong friendships thru their camping experiences. One of their favorite camping trips was to go to The High Ground to camp, and enjoy the beauty there. Dolores also had a very strong Catholic faith. She always said that you didn't have time to worry if you were praying, and saying the Rosary! She looked forward to Mass each Saturday to visit with her friends at Sacred Heart Parish. She continued to knit, and crochet, even making two doggie sweaters (with booties!) for her new best friend, "Snuggles", our poodle. She was also famous for knitting slippers for many years for the various Veterans Homes, and other organizations. And of course, making many caps, baby caps, booties, afghans, and blankets for family, and the Sacred Heart Bazaar.\r\nDolores is survived by her niece, Doreen (Todd) Munyon of Hermosa, South Dakota; a nephew, Robert (Jennifer) Burns of Fort Collins, Colorado; and a niece, Margaret Byrnes (Chet Boncler) of Hayward, Wisconsin. She also had several "Grand&Great-Grand" nieces and nephews.\r\nShe was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur&Alice (Abraham) Burns; her son, PFC. James Robert ("Skip") Devney (1969); her husband Francis Devney (1983); step-mother, Muriel Burns; brother, Robert L. Burns (2006); sister-in-law, Dora J. Burns (2007); son, Donald Devney (2006); and daughter-in-law, Gail (Heuer) Devney (2008).\r\nMass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, June 4, 2009, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Eau Claire with Monsignor Edmund Klimek celebrating the Mass. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Eau Claire. Visitation will be Wednesday at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home from 5 to 7:30 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue Thursday, one hour prior to Mass at the church. \r\nMemorials are preferred to The High Ground W7031 Ridge Rd., PO Box 457, Neillsville, WI 54456, or Sacred Heart Parish Office, 322 Fulton St., Eau Claire, WI 54703, or to the donor's choice.

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