Fortified with the sacraments of Holy Mother Church, Marcella Schoener Deveikis, 88, entered eternal life Monday, April 16, 2018. She was born in St. Louis, MO, August 4,1929.

Marcella was Valedictorian of her class at St. Elizabeth Academy and excelled on the track and debate teams. She was also a talented pianist. She attended Saint Louis University where she met her future husband.

In 1949 she married William (Bill) Deveikis of Burlington, NJ, and the couple moved to Hampton, VA in 1951 as Bill started his career with NACA (now NASA). Always working together as a devoted team, Marcella and Bill raised four daughters, instilling in them the gifts of unconditional love, music, fun, and, most of all, their Catholic faith.

Marcella was active for many years with the Ladies of Saint Rose of Lima, where she forged long-lasting friendships. She also taught religious education, was involved with the PTA and Girl Scouts. She loved animals, and supported various animal protection organizations. She was a talented seamstress, making many pretty outfits for her four girls. Marcella also had an amazing green thumb and enjoyed gardening. Always a bargain-hunter, Marcella was quite the coupon queen.

Although for many years her quality of life was limited by various illnesses and mobility problems, Marcella embraced an amazing, positive attitude. She took up her crosses daily to follow our Lord in a spirit of joyful cooperation. Marcella's steadfast Catholic faith sustained her, and she became an inspiration to many.

A generous, selfless woman, Marcella was a loving and supportive wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She will be most remembered for her caring, encouraging words and the reassuring promise that she would always pray for us. She was our greatest cheerleader.

Marcella is survived by her husband Bill of 68 years; daughters Judy Crocker (Bruce), Marcy Avery, Debbie Regone (Bill), and Andrea Moran (Sean); grandchildren Scott Crocker, Stephen Crocker, Jessica O'Neal, Brian Regone, Rachel Regone Yao and Christine Regone; and great-grandchildren Ainslee, Keara, Hailey, Felicity, plus one on the way.

The family will receive friends from 9:30-11:00 AM Saturday, April 21 at St. Rose of Lima & Korean Martyrs Catholic Church, 2114 Bay Ave, Hampton. Mass of the resurrection will follow at 11:00 AM with interment at Parklawn Memorial Park, Hampton.

Donations may be made to the Little Sisters of the Poor, or the Animal Aid Society, Hampton.

Arrangements by R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, Hampton. www.rhaydensmith.com