May 28, 1932 – January 1, 2026
Louise Mary (Murphy) Devaney, a devoted wife, mother, teacher, and tireless community volunteer, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at the age of 93. A longtime resident of South Dennis, MA Louise brought energy, kindness, and humor to every life she touched.
Born in Boston on May 28, 1932, Louise was the beloved daughter of Louisa (Herlihy) and William R. Murphy. She spent her early years in Belmont before the family relocated to Newton Center in 1935 alongside her parents and older brother Robert, and younger siblings Gerard and Winifred. Louise grew up in a lively household rooted in Catholic values and civic spirit.
After graduating from Sacred Heart High School in 1949, she attended Framingham State College, where she earned her degree in Elementary Education. She went on to teach fourth grade in Wrentham from 1953 to 1960, a role that perfectly matched her lifelong love of children and learning.
In 1955, Louise married Alan Devaney, the love of her life. Together they built a home in Wrentham and started a family. While there, she co-founded the local Red Cross swimming program and, alongside Alan, helped establish the town’s Little League program. She also served as President of the Catholic Women’s Club and coached Wrentham High School’s award-winning cheer-leading squad.
Louise and Alan moved their growing family to South Dennis in 1968, where they raised five children and became deeply involved in the Cape Cod community. Louise embraced her role in local schools and youth sports, running the snack bar at the Dennis Babe Ruth field and serving as club treasurer for many years. She was also active in the Framingham State Alumni Club of Cape Cod, eventually serving as its president in the 1980s.
Volunteering was a pillar of Louise’s life. For over 30 years, she served with VNA Hospice, where her compassion and energy earned her the “Volunteer of the Year” award, not once, but twice. Even after retiring from hospice work, she continued giving back through the VNA’s thrift shop, where she made dear friends and lasting memories. Louise continued her volunteering even through her illness.
Louise also worked at Colonial Candle in West Dennis and later at the beloved local spot, The Breakfast Room, where she was known for her wit, warmth, and loyal friendships.
Family meant everything to Louise. She cherished holidays, traveling, attending her children and grandchildren’s events, backyard gatherings, and especially the annual “lobster fest.”
A devoted fan of the Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins and Boston College. She fondly recalled taking the bus in her youth to Fenway Park, where she watched legends like the great Ted Williams from the left field bleachers.
She is survived by her loving children: Lynn Felix and her husband Tony, Mark Devaney and his wife Laurie, Brian Devaney, and Jon Devaney and his wife Colleen and by her cherished grandchildren: Keenan, Cassandra, and Aidan and her sister Winifred Murphy. She was predeceased by her husband Alan, her son Bruce, her brothers Robert and Gerard, and her parents.
Louise will be remembered for her generous heart, her tireless spirit, and the laughter and love she brought to every room she entered.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 16th from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Avenue South Yarmouth, MA. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 17 at 10:00 AM at St. Pius X Church, Station Ave., South Yarmouth, MA. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Rt 134, S. Dennis, MA.
All are then welcome to celebrate Louise’s life at a reception at the Yarmouth House Restaurant, Rt 28, W. Yarmouth
Donations in her memory can be made to: CCHC Foundation, VNA of Cape Cod Hospice & Bereavement Support Services, PO Box 370, Hyannis, MA 02601.
The service will be live-streamed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/stpiusxsy/videos
Posted online on January 07, 2026
Published in Cape Cod Times