Pamela S. DeVoe

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Pam DeVoe of Mishawaka, Indiana on May 5, 2023, at the age of 80 years.

Pam was born in 1942 in Toledo, Ohio to Albert H. Lumm, Jr. and Virginia (Sentle) Lumm. Pam graduated from Ottawa Hills High School in Toledo in 1960, matriculated to and attended Northwestern University, and graduated from Ohio State University in 1964 with a B.S. in Social Work. While at Ohio State, she joined the Delta Gamma Sorority, met her future husband, Dr. Stephen J. DeVoe, M.D., and became a lifelong and ever-faithful Buckeye.

Pam briefly lived in Charleston, South Carolina and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania before settling and residing in Upper Arlington, Ohio for many years where she raised her family. She later relocated to Chicago, Woodstock, Illinois and eventually Mishawaka, Indiana to live in close proximity to her daughter and son- in-law. In every community in which Pam resided, she readily made abiding friendships with new neighbors, friendships often founded on a shared passion for local gardening interests, pursuits and projects. Neighbors often remarked on her horticultural talents and well-tended gardens, and welcomed Pam’s green thumb advice. Pam also pursued her horticultural interests throughout her life and in every community in which she called home by volunteering for and serving on the boards of numerous philanthropic garden clubs.

Pam’s volunteer activities extended beyond horticulture, and included the Childhood League Center and Junior League of Columbus, as well as many other clubs and organizations in each of the communities in which she resided. It was also not uncommon for Pam to step-up and serve as Treasurer for many of the organizations in which she served.

Along with pursuing her volunteer interests, Pam applied her business acumen in her work for Bank One in Columbus and Midwest Bank in Chicago, and later in her retail work for Barnes & Noble and Hallmark in Mishawaka. In every work endeavor, Pam bonded with colleagues and made lasting friendships. Pam often expressed appreciation for these life enriching experiences and friendships.

In addition to her love for gardening, Pam enjoyed reading, walking her beloved labs, visiting gardens and arboretums, following current events, and, most of all, spending time with family and friends.

Pam was raised in a mid-western, inland-lakes loving family, and spent many happy summer days in her youth at the family cottage on Lake James, Indiana. In her youth, she enjoyed waterskiing at the cottage and participating in ski shows performed by the Lake James Ski Club, and family adventures and outings with many dear cousins in her close-knit extended family. Later in life, these happy lake family memories continued to be enjoyed in Michigan. The Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Michigan threads in Pam’s life were happily woven by Pam through her devotion to and appreciation for her extended and cherished family, loving friends and neighborhood ties.

Pam is survived by her children, Stephanie A. DeVoe and son-in-law Andy Hildebrand of Lakebay, Washington and Stephen J. DeVoe, Jr. of Columbus, Ohio; and brothers Albert H. Lumm, III of Miami, Florida and John W. Lumm and sister-in-law Jane of Ann Arbor, Michigan; and former husband Dr. Stephen J. DeVoe, M.D. of Columbus, Ohio; as well as her loving and extended family of cousins and their families. She was predeceased by her parents, Albert H. Lumm, Jr. and Virginia J. (Sentle) Lumm of Toledo, Ohio. She was also predeceased by her beloved family of labs, Noire, Shadow, Casey and Hannah. Pam also had many beloved friends due to her warm and easy and out-going spirit, and will be deeply missed by many.

Pam’s family would like to thank Dr. Mark Zalupski and his team of colleagues at the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center Pancreatic Clinic, and the medical professionals at the Center for Hospice Care in Mishawaka for providing their expertise and excellent care to Pam throughout her valiant struggle with pancreatic cancer.

A celebration of Pam’s life will be held 11:00 a.m. June 14, 2023 at the Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve in Niles, Michigan. Cremation has taken place, and memories can be shared at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts may be made in honor and memory of Pam to a local botanical garden, arboretum, humane society of your choice, or to the Michigan Medicine Comprehensive Pancreas Program at https://leadersandbest.umich.edu/find/#1/give/basket/fund/331933.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.