Helen DeVos facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Helen June DeVos
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Devos and her husband with President Gerald Ford, 1974
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Helen June Van Wesep
February 24, 1927 Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S.
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| Died | October 18, 2017 (aged 90) Ada Township, Michigan, U.S.
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| Education | Frankfort High School |
| Alma mater | Calvin College |
| Occupation | Philanthropist |
| Spouse(s) | Richard DeVos (1953-2017) |
| Children |
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| Relatives | Betsy DeVos (daughter-in-law) |
Helen June DeVos (born Van Wesep) was an American who loved to help others. She was born on February 24, 1927, and passed away on October 18, 2017. Helen was married to Richard DeVos, who helped start the Amway company. He also owned the Orlando Magic basketball team. Her daughter-in-law, Betsy DeVos, was once the U.S. Secretary of Education.
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Early Life and Education
Helen June Van Wesep was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on February 24, 1927. Her parents were George and Wilma Van Wesep. When she was a teenager, her family moved to Frankfort, Michigan. Helen graduated from Frankfort High School. She also attended Grand Rapids Christian School.
After high school, she went to Calvin College. There, she earned a degree in education.
Career and Community Work
Helen DeVos worked as a teacher for a while. After she got married, she moved to Ada, Michigan.
She was very active in her community. Helen served on the board of directors for the Grand Rapids Symphony. She also helped lead the St. Cecelia Music Center.
Family Life
Helen married Richard DeVos in 1953. They lived next door to Richard's good friend, Jay Van Andel, and his wife Betty. Richard and Jay were high school friends. They first worked together selling Nutrilite products. Later, in 1959, they started the well-known company, Amway.
Helen and Richard had four children. They had three sons: Dick, Dan, and Doug. Their daughter's name was Cheri DeVos. All four children are involved in the family's businesses and their many charity efforts.
Helping Others: Her Legacy
Helen DeVos was known for her generous spirit. She and her family gave away a lot of money to help different causes. Reports say the DeVos family donated over $1.2 billion over the years. The Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation was a big part of their charitable work.
Helen especially loved helping children, supporting education, and promoting music. Many places are named after her because of her kindness. The Helen DeVos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids is one example.
Other places named in her honor include the Richard and Helen DeVos Japanese Garden. This beautiful garden is at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. The Richard and Helen DeVos Fieldhouse at Hope College also bears their names. A theater at Hope College is named for her parents, George and Wilma Van Wesep.
Helen also inspired scholarships for students. The Helen DeVos Presidential Scholarship helps students study music and the arts at Grand Valley State University. The Helen DeVos College of Education at Lee University is also named for her.
Images for kids
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Helen DeVos with her husband and President Gerald Ford in 1974.
