Helen DeVos: A life devoted to faith, family and philanthropy

by Rev. Robert Sirico • October 20, 2017

Helen J. DeVos (PRNewsfoto/DeVos Family)

I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Helen DeVos, the wife of Amway co-founder Rich DeVos, in Grand Rapids at the age of 90. She was one of those people who had an incalculable impact in building flourishing communities with her generosity and, yes, business acumen. Rich and Helen’s philanthropy has been estimated to exceed $1.2 billion over the years, a testament to their deep faith and commitment to be responsible stewards of the financial resources God has put in their hands. In large part through the Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation, they supported scores of Christian churches and ministries, hospitals, schools and civic projects. This intelligent generosity help to provide a model of philanthropic engagement making West Michigan one of the highest per capita giving communities in the United States.

The DeVos family issued a moving statement on the Oct. 18 passing of Helen:

While we grieve her passing, we rejoice in her new life in heaven and are grateful for the countless ways she blessed our lives. We are comforted in knowing that she was welcomed home into the loving arms of Jesus. We will never forget her unfailing love, strength and devotion that were truly the heart of our family.

Although known for her support of health, arts and education, she was also an early and important driver of the family’s Amway business. In an article on the MLive news site, it was recounted that Helen left her teaching job to help Rich and partner Jay Van Andel run their start up – out of the basement in their home. “DeVos and Betty Van Andel have been described as the hidden partners of the direct sales giant,” the article said. In the family, too, she was a driving force.

“There was no question her role was critical in terms of keeping things going on the family front. She was very much the day-to-day chief operating officer of the family,” Dick DeVos told MLive.

Among her many honors, Helen DeVos was presented with The Philanthropy Roundtable William E. Simon Prize for Philanthropic Leadership and the Clare Boothe Luce Award from the Heritage Foundation.

Funeral arrangements have been posted on the Helen DeVos website.

Rev. Robert Sirico

Rev. Robert A. Sirico received his Master of Divinity degree from the Catholic University of America, following undergraduate study at the University of Southern California and the University of London. During his studies and early ministry, he experienced a growing concern over the lack of training religious studies students receive in fundamental economic principles, leaving them poorly equipped to understand and address today's social problems. As a result of these concerns, Fr. Sirico co-founded the Acton Institute with Kris Alan Mauren in 1990. As president of the Acton Institute, Fr. Sirico lectures at colleges, universities, and business organizations throughout the U.S. and abroad. His writings on religious, political, economic, and social matters are published in a variety of journals, including: the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, the London Financial Times, the Washington Times, the Detroit News, and National Review. Fr. Sirico is often called upon by members of the broadcast media for statements regarding economics, civil rights, and issues of religious concern, and has provided commentary for CNN, ABC, the BBC, NPR, and CBS' 60 Minutes, among others. In April of 1999, Fr. Sirico was awarded an honorary doctorate in Christian Ethics from the Franciscan University of Steubenville, and in May of 2001, Universidad Francisco Marroquin awarded him an honorary doctorate in Social Sciences. He is a member of the prestigious Mont Pèlerin Society, the American Academy of Religion, and the Philadelphia Society, and is on the Board of Advisors of the Civic Institute in Prague. Father Sirico also served on the Michigan Civil Rights Commission from 1994 to 1998. He is also currently serving on the pastoral staff of Sacred Heart of Jesus parish in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Fr. Sirico's pastoral ministry has included a chaplaincy to AIDS patients at the National Institute of Health and the recent founding of a new community, St. Philip Neri House in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Related posts