Rita Theresa Devereaux (nee Kazenevich)

Rita Theresa Devereaux (nee Kazenevich), adored wife and mother, died peacefully on December 11, 2017 in San Rafael at 87 years of age. A native of Montreal, Canada, Rita was a graduate of the Phillips School of Nursing, affiliated with McGill University. She came to California in 1952 to work at Stanford University Hospital, and assisted Dr. Emile Holman in his pioneering work in cardiac surgery. In June of 1953, she married Dr. Richard G. Devereaux. They were married for 51 years until his death in 2004.

A 58-year resident of Marin, Rita and Richard raised their five children in Mill Valley and Tiburon. She was an avid tennis player and enjoyed playing on many courts throughout Marin County as well as a dedicated swimmer, an activity she continued to enjoy as a daily routine well into her 80’s.

Rita was known for her vibrant personality and touched many lives; she will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her children: Mark (Cathy), Dwight (Sharon), Richard, Dianne Mitchell (David) and Christopher (Asha), ten grandchildren: Brian (Lissette), Bradley (Corinne), Stephen (Jakki), James (Nancy), Michelle, Melanie, Lindsay, Stephanie, Sabrina and Alex and seven great-grandchildren: Audra, Olivia, Elle, Julius, Bianca, Sterling and Baker.

Services will be held on Friday, December 29 at St. Hilary Catholic Church, 761 Hilary Drive, Tiburon, at 10:45 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Continuum Care Hospice Foundation are welcome.