Teresa DeVault

Teresa DeVault

October 13, 1938 - June 26, 2026

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Obituary

To watch the Nurse's Honor Guard and Funeral Mass, please click the link below:
https://vimeo.com/event/6025813







Teresa A. DeVault, age 87, died peacefully at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg, surrounded by her children on June 26, 2026. She was born on October 13, 1937, to Glen and Ellen Horkan in Reedsburg, WI. She married Charles "Chuck" DeVault on September 9, 1961, and together they had three children: Dan, Ed, and Cheryl. Family was very important to Teresa, known to many as "Terry”. They kept their family busy with life working at the farm, time at the cottages, and snowmobile racing—traditions that continue today.

 

Teresa never backed down from a challenge. Whether it was her determination, her stubbornness, or simply her desire to prove she could do something, she approached life with enthusiasm. The one challenge she never quite conquered was learning to swim, though she certainly tried. She loved bicycling and rode throughout Madison and later around the Sauk Prairie area on her red electric trike, enjoying the freedom it gave her. She loved to be around people, volunteering and keeping busy.

 

Teresa graduated from Mt. Sinai, Milwaukee in 1960 and became a Registered Nurse. She loved nursing, and her career led her through a variety of roles. The memories she shared most often were from her time as Director of Nursing at Rosemary Nursing Home. She concluded her career with Interim Healthcare. Teresa maintained her nursing license until age 84 because she wanted to be ready if someone needed her. Throughout the years, she volunteered with Olbrich Gardens, Madison Catholic Women's Club, SSM Health, St. Dennis Parish, 6:8, and respite care programs. We will miss her stories, card games, and the unwavering support she gave each of us.

 

Teresa is survived by her children, Dan (Sandy) DeVault, and Cheryl DeVault (Willy Wayne); daughter-in-law, Kim DeVault (Steve Young); grandchildren, Brad and Bill DeVault, Blake and Tyler Blaskowski, Cassidy Gomez, Megan Lazar, Kailey and Nathan DeVault; and great-grandchildren, Reagan, Rowan, Rhett, Bennett, Madden, Gryffen, Charlotte, Patrick, Eleanor, Grace, Lauren, Brayden, and Santiago. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Chuck; son, Ed; sisters, Rita and Marge; and brothers, Jim, Duane, and Dan.

 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00AM on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at St. Dennis Catholic Church, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison. A visitation will be held from 9:00AM until time of Mass on Wednesday at the church.


In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace Hospice or to the charity of your choice. 


The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the Pines Assisted Living, the Agrace Hospice care team and to her nurse, Kevin, whose compassionate care helped Teresa feel comfortable and at peace. To view her obituary and leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com



Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
2418 N. Sherman Avenue
608-249-8257

Events

08
Visitation
Wed Jul 8, 2026 @ 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
St. Dennis Catholic Church • 505 Dempsey Rd, Madison, WI 53714
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08
Nurse Honor Guard
Wed Jul 8, 2026 @ 10:45 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
St. Dennis Catholic Church • 505 Dempsey Rd, Madison, WI 53714
Get Directions
08
Mass of Christian Burial
Wed Jul 8, 2026 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
St. Dennis Catholic Church • 505 Dempsey Rd, Madison, WI 53714
Get Directions

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Memories

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Teresa
AC
Amy Connelly
Friend •
It was a lovely service yesterday for a wonderful woman. Terry was a nursing school classmate of my mother's and later became my nursing supervisor at a home care agency in Madison. With both Terry and my mother's support and encouragement I also chose the nursing profession. God Bless All who were in attendance yesterday especially Terry's family. Jesus certainly is Lord
PL
Pam Lebedoff
Friend •
Terry was always a kind thoughtful person. After my husband had passed away, I was invited to their home for holidays. She always had a smile on her face. You would never know she was having a bad day herself. Due to health reasons I will not be able to attend the services today, but my thoughts prayers and condolences go out to all the family and those close to her.
GF
George and Tama (DePrey) Frazier
Friend •
Terry was always such a good friend, and she helped us through some challenging times. Our deepest condolences to her family.
RC
Rhonda Christenson
Coworker •
Terry has had a huge impact on my life. I met her at the age of 17 when I was hired as a nursing assistant at Rosemary Nursing Home. I was immediately impressed with her professionalism and the dignity she gave to each resident. I will never forget how crisp she looked in her white dress uniform, white nylons, and duty shoes! Terry is the reason I wanted to become a nurse. I enjoyed 43 years of nursing & gratefully looked back upon the lessons I learned from her. I enjoyed time with her in swim class at the YMCA! Just such a lovely person.
JH
Janet Hagen
Family •
Terry was an inspiration to so many. Her spirit will live among us as her legacy. She was always warm and welcoming and had a great smile for everybody. May she rest in peac.
JH
Janet Hagen
Friend •
Terry was an inspiration to so many. I knew Terry from her time at the East Y in Madison. Terry was a regular participant in many fitness classes at the Y, and particularly in water aerobics classes. Her enthusiasm and zest for life were contagious. Terry was always a shining light wherever she was; may her spirit be her legacy among friends and family who were fortunate to know her.

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