Alexandra “Alex” E. DeVinny Racine – The race that Alex DeVinny had with life was cut short by her long time rival, anorexia nervosa. She lost that race on Sunday, March 5, 2006 when her large and generous heart just stopped beating. She was 20 years old. Alex was born in Racine on October 14, 1985 to Doug and Lana (nee: Carmony) DeVinny. During her brief two decades she touched many people with her intelligence, humor, courage and athletic ability. She was recognized as a runner of rare athletic ability who set course records throughout the state, winning the state championship in the 3200 M race in her junior year. But more than a fine athlete she excelled academically, graduating with honors from Park High School in 2004 and recruited by many universities. Unfortunately, she was unable to attend as the eating disorder became more controlling. Her love of books, popular culture, Nike apparel and Steve Madden shoes was legendary. She was also a talented artist whose interest was in making jewelry created with her hand made lamp work beads. As an eighth grader she was awarded a WCATY (Wisconsin Center for Academically Talented Youth) grant to pursue research in hot glass bead making. Most importantly, Alex was a kind, honest and generous human being who cared deeply for her family and friends, as well as for social issues and environment. She will forever be missed by the people she touched, but especially by her family. In addition to her parents, Doug and Lana DeVinny of Racine her survivors include her sisters, Gabrielle (Michael) Fekete of Cary, NC, Erika (Colin) Willard of Greenville, NC; her nephews, Jared, Colten and Jack Willard; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins throughout the United States. Her two four legged friends, Baby and Nike are still waiting for her to come home. Family and friends are invited to meet in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Friday evening from 5-8 pm for a public visitation. The service celebrating Alex’s life will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2006 at 10:30 am at Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church (1700 S. Green Bay Rd.) with Rev. Kara F. Baylor officiating. There will also be a visitation on Saturday from 9:30 until 10:30. Burial will take place at Graceland Cemetery on Monday, March 13th at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family who will establish something in Alex’s name at a later time.
Her family wishes to thank the brave efforts of the ER and Intensive Care Unit of All Saints – St. Mary’s Medical Center to save Alex’s life, especially the caring and skilled nurses, Kerri and Mary Jo. They would also like to encourage those who work in law enforcement, human services, and the justice system to think seriously about the victims of anorexia nervosa and make the effort to care for them in a way that would treat the disorder rather than punish the victim.
Kelly Fritz says
Dear DeVinny family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I cannot begin to imagine how hard this time must be for you. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and so many of us are thinking of you right now. Alex was an amazing human being and she was a true blessing on this earth. She did so many amazing things and accomplished so much in her short time here on earth. I remember hearing about her many times and her incredible running capabilities. I pray that you are able to remember all of the wonderful things about her and keep those memories close to your heart and know that one day you will all see one another again. Again, I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you!!!
Love – Kelly Fritz (Gould) UW-Parkside 1999
Pascal Fritz says
I wish to send my deepest condolences to the entire DeVinny family. May all of Alex’s life experiences give inspiration and strength to others. My prayers are with you.
God Bless
Mark & Joan St. Martin says
My Dear Doug and Lana
No words can describe the way we feel for you at this time. You will be in our prayers. Alex has always been a special girl to us. Her smile will never be forgotten.
Peace to you, Mark & Joan
Suzi Frintz says
Dear Doug (Prof.DeVinny) and family,
I am so heartbroken to hear of your loss. Please know that others share your grief and are praying for you and your family. I did not know your daughter, but I know she must have been a lovely and talented girl. My deepest sympathies to you all.
Suzi Frintz
11151 8th ave
Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158
John Chandler says
I loved watching Alex race, and, as a coach of her rivals, always had an immense respect for her talents, abilities, and courage.
I will always remember the day at Parkside when she set the record there, with her singlet askew.
May she rest in peace.
Kirk Wackett says
I coach at Watertown High School and I had the pleasure of watching Miss DeVinny race against my best girls and beat them time and again.
I of course took no pleasure in her beating my athletes, but I could certainly appreciate the determination she showed; a great competitor. May God give her new races to run in heaven.
Deidra Brown says
Alex you were loved very much by everyone and the memories we have shared will remain with me for a lifetime. I will always remember us sharing rooms at STATE, taking trips to the Nike Outlet, and your delicious cookies you baked. Thanks you Doug for always putting Baby away when I would come over. You will always have a special place in my heart. Keep shining Superstar! You are truly missed.
Maribel Hillery (Cortez) says
Alex-
So many words to express and too late. I remember giving you all those rides home your freshman year from cross country practice. The tours you would give of your house and all your dad’s cool art work. I loved that mystery dinner that you invited me too and all your awesome jewelry you made. I am truly amazed at the impression you left on so many people. I still wish I could run like you did. I will miss you always.
Kim Varian says
What a beautiful young woman Alex was growing up to be. I am so sorry that no one was able to reach her in a way that might have prevented this. There just isn’t enough known about how to care for the victims of this cruel disease. Let the pain guide you to do something amazing in memory of Alex. She created her own powerful legends with her caring, friends, and running. I hope many hear Alex’s story and learn from it, so that she may continue her legends affecting the lives of others, even though she is no longer with us. This sweet little angel may not be here in the way you would like her to be. You may not be able to hug her, but she will be with you always in your hearts and minds, and with those who are helped with their own battles by the story of Alex DeVinny.
Love and Hugs,
Kim
Marsha (Huissen) Becker says
To the DeVinney family:
As a former UWP art student of Prof. Doug’s, I was truly, deeply saddened to hear of your great loss. Although I never knew your daughter, I have no doubts whatsoever that she was a truly beautiful person both inside and out. What amazing things she accomplished, and the many lives she touched in the time she was here with us. And with her father as a gauge, I am sure her artwork and artistic talents were equally, truly extraordinary 🙂 My prayers are with you all.
Wishing you future smiles and peace.
Sincerely,
Marsha (Huissen) Becker and family
John Moody says
I came across Alex one hot summer morning about three years ago on the trail and we exchanged hellos. Her committment to excellence was so admirable. It makes me sad to think I only said hello and goodbye to Alex, but after being able to meet your wonderful family and soak in all the love everyone had for Alex, I found the whole thing very peaceful and comforting.
Renee and Jim Engebretson says
Dear Doug and Lana,
No words-no words.
Just some tears and a hug we send to you across the miles.
Our love and peace to you.
Renee and Jim