Ms. DeVos, the wife of Amway co-founder Rich DeVos and mother-in-law of U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, died due to complications from a stroke. She was also recently diagnosed with myeloid leukemia.
Ms. DeVos made many philanthropic efforts in the healthcare arena and is the namesake of Spectrum Health’s Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, Mich. She and her husband also made a major contribution to underwrite the hospital’s child life program and supported the health system’s Meijer Heart Center and the Richard DeVos Heart and Lung Transplant Program, among other programs, according to Richard Breon, president and CEO of Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Spectrum Health.
“I am deeply saddened by the news of Helen DeVos’ passing, and we extend our
deepest sympathies to Rich and all of Helen’s family and friends,” Mr. Breon said in a statement emailed to Becker’s. “The legacy of Helen June Van Wesep DeVos will live on forever in the hearts and minds of the many people whose lives she touched. Her legacy will continue to have a lasting influence on the mission and vision of Spectrum Health, where her generosity helped to establish numerous programs and services.”
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