GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) - The Latest on the death of Helen J. DeVos, a philanthropist from western Michigan (all times local):
6:55 p.m.
Services for western Michigan philanthropist Helen DeVos will be held Monday and Tuesday.
Her family says in a statement that she died Wednesday of complications from a stroke following a recent diagnosis of myeloid leukemia. She was 90.
Known for her support of children’s health, Christian education and the arts, DeVos was the wife of Rich DeVos, who co-founded direct-sales company Amway and owns the NBA’s Orlando Magic.
The memorial website helendevos.com says public services will be held at Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in downtown Grand Rapids. The visitation is scheduled for Monday from 2 to 8 p.m. and a celebration of life event will be the next day from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
A private service also will be held Tuesday.
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9:45 a.m.
Helen J. DeVos is being remembered in Michigan for her work as an advocate and philanthropist.
Gov. Rick Snyder says in a statement Thursday that her “steadfast commitment to helping others can be seen every day in many ways,” especially at the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids that’s named in recognition of her philanthropy.
She also was a supporter of Christian education and the arts.
Michigan’s Lt. Gov. Brian Calley says she “lived a life of extraordinary impact” with faithfulness to her country, her community and to God.
Helen DeVos died Wednesday. She was the wife of Rich DeVos, who co-founded direct-sales company Amway and owns the Orlando Magic. She was also the mother-in-law of U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.
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7:15 a.m.
Helen J. DeVos, a philanthropist from western Michigan known for her support of children’s health, Christian education and the arts, has died at age 90.
Her family says in a statement that she died Wednesday of complications from a stroke following a recent diagnosis of myeloid leukemia.
DeVos was the wife of Rich DeVos, who co-founded direct-sales company Amway and owns the Orlando Magic. He says she was “a wonderful wife and the heart of our family.”
She was also the mother-in-law of U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.
Helen DeVos was born in Grand Rapids, where a children’s hospital is named after her.
An Amway spokeswoman says in an email Helen DeVos died in the Grand Rapids-area community of Ada Township and funeral arrangements were pending.
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