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
