Wendy Maureen (Devries) Duncan

Wendy Maureen (DeVries) Duncan, age 52, of Portland, passed away on Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at SKLD Medical Residence in Ionia following a long illness, with her loving family by her side. She was born on September 25, 1966, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the daughter of Edward Arthur and Maureen Elizabeth (Sironen) DeVries. Wendy graduated from Union High School in Grand Rapids and continued her education at a trade school in Kissimmee, Florida, specializing in airline operations. She worked for several years for Continental Express Airlines doing everything from ticketing to managing the tarmac area. She also worked for her dad at E.A.DeVries Builder, for many years, and most recently she served as a residential advisor in a group home setting with HOPE Network, West Lake Campus, near Lowell. Wendy loved dogs and enjoyed volunteering with beagle rescue efforts. She also shared a passion for antique shopping with her dear friend and fiancée Ken Baumbach.

Wendy leaves to cherish her memory her fiancée Ken of Portland; children Sabrina Duncan of Hilburn, New York and Marilynn Duncan of Belding; her parents Edward A. (Deb Dailey) DeVries of Rockford and Maureen (Fred) Alberts of Belding; siblings Jill (Tim) Woodworth of Rockford, Connie (Jeff) Riess of Battle Creek and Cheryl (Scott) Brown of Cannonsburg; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents and special aunt, Marilynn (Sironen) Church. Sadly, Wendy’s uncle Jeff Sironen passed away unexpectedly just three days after her, joining her on her heavenly journey.

Cremation rites have taken place and a Funeral Mass will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 17 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Miriam, with Fr. Jim Wyse the Celebrant. The family will greet visitors in St. Mary’s Parish Hall prior to the Mass beginning at 10:00 a.m. and interment will follow at St. Mary Cemetery. Those wishing to express sympathy are welcomed to consider a contribution in Wendy’s memory to the Autism Society of Kent County or the American Cancer Society.