Lorene T. Devine

Lorene T. Devine, a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, and spirited woman of deep faith, passed away on March 12, 2026, at the age of 99.

Born on December 7, 1926, in Loyal, Wisconsin, to Joseph and Julia (Ystad) Hecker, the seventh of ten children, Lorene was drawn early to caring for others. She entered nursing school near the end of World War II as a cadet nurse, later serving in veterans’ hospitals and working primarily in infectious disease wards, including polio wards, where her compassion and strength touched everyone around her.

On October 3, 1953, she married Andy Devine. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and community, choosing to raise their family in Toledo’s inner city. They embraced a racially and culturally diverse neighborhood and instilled in their children values of acceptance, service, and respect for others. Lorene and Andy raised six children: Patrick Devine (Cheryl), Mimi Devine-Touhey (Mike), James Devine (Kris), Paul Devine (Lynette), Laurie Jacob (Edward), and Jean Spinazze (Mark). They also lovingly welcomed foster daughter Sophia Lloyd (Mark) into their family. Lorene cared for Andy’s father, Dennis, his developmentally delayed brother, Dinny, and her own mother, Julia, in their home until each passed. She was the proud grandmother of 19 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved dearly. She often said her greatest pride in life was the family she and Andy raised together.

Her faith remained a cornerstone of her life. Lorene was deeply involved in her parish communities at Rosary Cathedral and St. Patrick of Heatherdowns. She gave her time to the Women of the Old West End and served as a Girl Scout leader. After her children were older, she returned to nursing, working in a nursing home and at the old Campbell factory.

Lorene had a lively curiosity and loved learning new things. She taught herself to reupholster furniture, enjoyed floral arranging and gardening, and delighted in antique and thrift store shopping. She was funny and feisty, loved a good party or a good book, and genuinely liked people, accepting them as they were and always trying to see the good in them. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, faith, and service that lives on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.