Eleanor Lorena DeVan- Boston
May 31, 2014
Eleanor Lorena DeVan-Boston, 91, passed away Saturday, May 31, 2014. She was born June 1, 1922, in Des Moines, Iowa to William Homer DeVan and Olivia Brooks. Eleanor was one of nine siblings – Thelma, Charles, Carrol, Mercedes, Silvia, Lawrence, Paul, and Martha.
In 1942, Eleanor married Charles Boston. Together they had five children – Ellen Ann, Maria Jean, Charles Alexander, Thomas Paul, and Mary Jo. She worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 33 years, retiring in the mid-1990s. Eleanor enjoyed reading, cooking, knitting, being with her family and friends, and arranging many family reunions and get-togethers. She would always say that the “house” was the focal point for all holiday get-togethers.
Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, three sisters, and her beloved daughters, Mary Jo and Maria Jean. She is survived by her sister, Martha Jackson; daughter, Ellen Ann; sons, Charles Alexander and Thomas Paul; son-in-law, Larry Hawkins (husband of Maria Jean); close family friends, Elaine “Sissy” William and Ronnene (Parkey) Harris; 22 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and a host of other family and friends.
Eleanor was the matriarch of our family and taught us honor, respect, and love of family and friends. She will be deeply missed, but always remembered and loved.
A memorial visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 3, 2014 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines, Iowa.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Mary Virginia Brookshaw
06/04/2014
My Aunt Eleanor will truly be missed. She was a great person inside and out. She was a constant presence in my life and enriched it immeasurably. She was, without a doubt, my second mother. Now I have two--Mercedes DeVan Brookshaw and Eleanor Lorena Boston smiling down on me from heaven.
ginger rawley
06/03/2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Boston family. May God grant you the strength needed at this time. Mrs Boston was a lovely woman. Love, Ginger & Von Rawley, Ellicott City, MD
Reverend Dr. Brigitte A. Black
06/03/2014
Reverend Dr. Brigitte A. Black and the entire Bethel AMEC congregation take this opportunity to express our sincere sympathy and condolences to each of you.
We pray Gods strength and comfort during your time of mourning and bereavement.
Look to Jesus for strength, comfort, and refuge in times of sorrow. Trust and believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. We pray for peace and comfort for you and yours.
Reverend Dr. Brigitte A. Black
Monica Stovall
06/03/2014
Our sincere condolences and deepest sympathy are extended to the Boston and DeVan Families today! May your precious memories help to sustain you. It is my prayer that the God of all comfort be with you and may you feel His presence and rest in His peace. Much Love, Monica and the Stovall Family
Joye & Derek DeVan
06/03/2014
Derek and I send our deepest condolences to Tommy Paul, his siblings and Aunt Martha. I know that "Ellie" (as Ted called her) will be deeply missed. She was truly a beautiful person. I know the family members that went before her will be there to receive her with open arms. May she rest in peace. Hopefully the tears you shed will eventually ease the pain in your heart. With deepest sympathy ... Derek & Joye DeVan
WILLIAM BROOKSHAW
06/03/2014
MY CONDOLENCES TO MY COUSINS.
Shirley Daniels
06/03/2014
Dear Tommy and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you celebrate the life of your beautiful Mother. I know you will miss her tremendously. Find some consolation in reflecting upon those wonderful memories of times spent laughing and talking with her.
With deepest sympathy,
Love and Peace,
Shirley Daniels
Rose and Dawn Campbell
06/02/2014
We will miss Grandmother so very much. She was the foundation of our family. To the entire Boston family, you are in our hearts and prayers.
Love, Rose and Dawn
Dr. Michael Anthony Brookshaw
06/02/2014
My Aunt Eleanor was a truly beautiful person. Intelligent, kind, generous, caring and loving, she was the epitome of what it means to be humane. Always there to support and advise, she touched my life in every meaningful way. She will live eternally in my heart, memory and soul.
Zoe (Walden) Jacbos
06/01/2014
My deepest condolences go out to Martha, Ellen, Tommy, Charles and the many grandchildren of Eleanor. May you find comfort and joy in the many precious memories that you have of her. May God be with you all
Carolyn Brookshaw Moore
06/01/2014
Auntie was like a surrogate mother to me after my mother (her sister Mercedes) died. She was so much fun! We always had great times at our card games and gatherings. I loved her and I will miss her.