IONA DEVRIES 86, a resident of Fremont for 44 years, passed away on August 31, 2007. She was born on April 25, 1921 in Hagerman, ID. After high school, she moved to Tacoma, WA. During WWII, she worked as a "Rosie the Riveter" for Boeing Aircraft and later moved to Santa Ynez, CA. where she worked on the "lookouts" for the U S Forest Service and Dept. of Defense. After WWII, she moved to San Francisco where she began her Nursing Career at San Francisco General Hospital. She met, and later married her late husband Adolph DeVries and moved to San Mateo. The family moved to Fremont in 1963 where she later continued her Nursing career at Fremont and Parkmont Convalescent Hospitals, working the night shift so she could be home with her 3 children during the day. Iona was an active volunteer for the American Red Cross from the late 60's-80's, driving veterans to medical appointments, organizing health fairs and disaster work and serving on the Board of Directors for the local chapter. She also served for many years on the Board of Directors for Tri-City Volunteers, and as Chairman of the board for several years. Iona was very active with her church, The Community of Christ. She enjoyed working with community outreach and coordinating and distributing gift baskets to the needy for the holidays. Iona was preceded in death by her husband, Adolph DeVries, son, Vernon DeVries, 3 brothers and 4 sisters. She is survived by her daughter, Carol Mead, son Jerry DeVries, and 2 granddaughters, Sarah and Amy Frost, all of Fremont. She is also survived by 2 sisters, Edith Carney, of Lancaster, CA and Eunice Helterbran of Boise, ID, a brother, Clayton Condit of Phoenix, AZ. and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on September 15, 2007 at 10:00 AM at the Community of Christ Church, 34050 Paseo Padre Parkway in Fremont. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Fremont Community of Christ, Peace Pavilion (for children) or Tri-City Volunteers would be appreciated.

Alameda Times-Star 9/9/07.