Helen DeVos, Michigan philanthropist known for children's health support, dies at 90

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The family of Helen J. DeVos says the philanthropist from western Michigan known for her support of children's health, Christian education and the arts has died.

She was 90. Her family says she died Wednesday of complications from a stroke following a recent diagnosis of myeloid leukemia. DeVos was the wife of Amway co-founder and Orlando Magic owner Rich DeVos. He says she was "a wonderful wife and the heart of our family."

She was the mother-in-law of U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.

Here is the full statement from the Devos family: 

We are deeply saddened to share that our beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Helen DeVos, passed away on October 18, 2017 at the age of 90.

While we grieve her passing, we rejoice in her new life in heaven and are grateful for the countless ways she blessed our lives.  We are comforted in knowing that she was welcomed home into the loving arms of Jesus.

We will never forget her unfailing love, strength and devotion that were truly the heart of our family. 

Rich, Dick, Dan, Cheri, Doug and families

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