Erin Mary McDevitt, age 28, of Duluth, formerly of Eagan, passed away on Thursday, December 19, 2019.
A time of gathering will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2020 beginning at 12:30 PM, with a prayer service at 1 PM, and a continued time of gathering following until 3PM, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation, 833 S. Marschall Road, Shakopee, MN. Father Dan Haugen will lead the service. Memorials are preferred and will be distributed in Erin’s memory to organizations supporting mental health and addiction advocacy. Please send to the Damiano Center in Duluth and NAMI Minnesota, attn. Kay.
On May 29, 1991 in Burnsville, MN, Erin was born to Austin and Margaret (Glattly) McDevitt. Growing up in Eagan, Erin was the younger sister to Alana and Seamus. Having older siblings to speak for her, Erin was three when she finally spoke her first words, “Hi John” (who was one of the neighbors). From that moment on, Erin was always talking and developed an extensive vocabulary.
Erin was spirited child! She had many great adventures, often exploring the surrounding neighborhood, occasionally at night. She was averse to wearing clothing but loved her rubber boots. At age seven, Erin learned to ride a bike which allowed her to venture even further. Having a way with people, Erin even panhandled by playing music and used her earnings to buy candy.
Erin was extremely active. She participated in 4H Club raising and showing rabbits at the local, county, and state fairs. Erin had a passion for animals, especially rabbits, cats and dogs. The McDevitt family was fortunate to travel extensively. By age fifteen, Erin filled three passports—her favorite destination was Ireland. The family enjoyed time at the cabin in Park Rapids, MN where Erin took an interest in the outdoors, fishing and later hunting. In later years, she was also an amazing photographer.
Erin attended Deerwood Elementary, Blackhawk Middle School and Eagan High School for her freshman and sophomore year. During these years, Erin played saxophone in the band and sang in choir. Erin applied to an optional two-year school program, at the School of Environmental Studies, a partnership with the Minnesota Zoo. She was excited to be accepted to the “Zoo School.” This provided Erin with many unique opportunities—studying in Costa Rica, attaining scuba certification in Curcao Island, and stimulating her interests in science.
After graduating, Erin continued her education at St. Scholastica in Duluth and later Lake Superior College. She ultimately earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Erin remained in Duluth working for various home health care groups. She was exceptional at her job. Erin adored assisting the elderly and loved the relationships she formed.
In her leisure time, Erin loved cooking new recipes, canning vegetables from the family garden and watching cat videos. She loved comedy acts whether on television or attending live shows. Throughout life, Erin struggled with depression and used humor to cope. While Erin never overcame her struggles with alcohol, she always remained compassionate, loving, and generous during difficult times.
Erin will be missed by her mother, Meg (John Thielen) Glattly; father, Austin (Barbara Wrigley) McDevitt; sister, Alana (Donn Stevenson) McDevitt; brother, Seamus (Jessica) McDevitt; boyfriend, Eric Bakken; four-legged companion, Emmett the dog; aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. There to greet Erin in Heaven are her grandparents and uncle, Joe McDevitt.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation proudly cared for the McDevitt family. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
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Julia Schmidt
Sweet Erin. Can’t believe you are gone so soon. Loved your bright blue eyes and ready smile. Rest In Peace and comfort with your loving grandparents and family in heaven.
Gabby Parks
I am so very sorry for your loss. I attended SES with Erin. She was always so funny, and her smile was contagious. We enjoyed the same kind of sarcastic humor. She was a bright light, and she will be remembered by many.
Cincy Owens Schradle
Meg and Family,
I’m so deeply saddened by this news. I remember being at your home for prom photos with the girls (I’m Kate Owens’ mom). Erin was frequently at our house and I loved having her around. I saw her a year ago at Kate’s wedding and feel fortunate to have been able to embrace her in a big hug and catch up with her. She even asked about our dog. She had a lovely, caring soul, a radiant smile and infectious laugh. I am still in disbelief that she is gone. I am so, so sorry for your loss.
Meg Glattly
Thanks so much. Kate was such a great friend over the years. Do you remember their mutual distain with boys and their “dime store “ zirconium wedding rings the wore together? Erin cherished the time at your house.
Char
Rest in peace, dear Erin. I am so sorry for her suffering and how difficult this is for her family. Thoughts and prayer are with you all.
Aunt Gerri
Sweet,beautiful ,kind,funny ,dear niece Erin Mary, with those pretty blue eyes, I’m so sad you are gone, so many wonderful accomplishments in your short life, you are much loved Rest In Peace sweet girl
Meghan Hanson
I am deeply sorry for your loss and pray you take comfort in memories of her. My prayers are with your family.
Brent Sprunger
I wish I could have known her. May you be blessed by the good memories in your grief. I am so sorry.
Pam Kantaris Benbow
Meg and your family
So sorry for your lost.
Alice Hume
May her soul Rest In Peace. I was very shocked by the death of Erin, I met her in Lake Superior college, we went through nursing school together. My condolences to the family, may you find strength during this difficult time.
Shandell VanLith
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Erin many years ago at the RSI group home. She was honestly one of the sweetest caregivers we had and all the clients just loved her. She made their difficult lives better in so many ways. When I heard she was going into nursing I was so happy. I am also a nurse now and the profession needs more people like her. I’m sure she touched several more patients lives before leaving this world♡ I’m so so sorry to hear of her passing. I will be saying prayers for this whole family. Much love!
Chris Baga
My friend, words cannot describe the sadness that I feel at the news of your passing. You were always one of my favorite coworkers and a good friend. You were always someone that i knew that i could confide in. I am thankful that we got together last winter. I will miss you dearly.
Connie Glattly
We are saddened by this news. No one should ever have to bury their child…
Ernesto Larrave
Erin :Im very sure you are in heaven a place where your suffering is over and God is taking care of you .My condolences to your family.
Don & Shirley Buecksler
Sweet Erin, our family is so shocked by the news of losing you. You have always been a “daughter” to Don and me, best friends forever with Luke, and adored by our entire family. Your laughter and awesome sense of humor will be forever missed.
We love you, Sweet Lady. May you rest in peace.
Don & Shirley Buecksler
Milly Phelon
I’m so happy I got to know you and love you for this little while. You were often in my prayers
. Your struggles and sadness are over and with Jesus loving arms around you heaven is your home
Love Grandma Milly Phelon
Eric Allen
We do not know each other, but when I read Erin’s obituary, and that she struggled with depression, I had to offer my condolences. I have suffered from depression since I was an adolescent (for 45 years now), and am 42 years sober. I grieve with you all for the loss you’ve suffered, and that she was so young. Depression is truly a killer, and I am so sorry that Erin’s life was so brief. May she rest in peace, and may God bless her memory. May you all find comfort in this sad time, and thank you for your honesty in her obituary. I pray that others will get the help they need from this wretched, wretched illness.