Theresa J. McDevitt

Theresa J. “Terry” McDevitt, age 92, of Media, PA, formerly of Springfield, PA passed away peacefully on July 14, 2026. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend whose kindness, love, and unwavering support enriched the lives of her family and all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by those fortunate enough to have shared in her life.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, she was the daughter of the late George E. and Margaret (née McGinley) Cunningham.

Terry attended John W. Hallahan Catholic High School for Girls and in her junior year moved to West Philadelphia and transferred to West Catholic High School for Girls where she graduated in 1952. While in high school she joined a sorority and those young women became her lifelong friends.

After high school she began work as an office clerk and met the love of her life, Jack, in their West Philadelphia neighborhood. Terry and Jack were married on January 30, 1954 and started their family in a small apartment in West Philadelphia. In February of 1956, they made the big leap to the suburbs, buying a row home in Darby, PA where they raised their four children.

The McDevitt family became members of Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, and Terry joined the BVM Mothers Club and served as a board member raising funds to support the school and parish. She was also a BVM Girl Scout leader, fostering leadership skills and friendship in countless young girls. In 1988 she and Jack moved to Springfield, PA where they became members of St. Francis of Assisi parish. Terry took on a new role in the parish as an aide in the CCD program, sharing her faith with younger generations. She also joined the parish Bible studies group and her involvement with RCIA program further underscored her deep devotion, as she guided and supported others on their spiritual journeys.

While living in Darby, Terry worked part-time at Fitzgerald Mercy Hospital in the Admissions office and later took a full-time role as the secretary to the Director of Pharmacy. She retired from Fitz in 1993 and began travelling with Jack and enjoying her grandchildren. They lovingly referred to her as Grum or Grummy.

Terry loved college basketball and the Philadelphia Phillies. She enjoyed going to games! She also enjoyed spending time at the Jersey Shore, especially in Sea Isle City and travelling with her friends and family. But her greatest love was her family. She had deep family roots and values and stressed the importance of family to her children. Christmas day, July 4th and Thanksgiving were always big family events. For years, the Cunningham family gathered for the Big Fat Irish Thanksgiving with over 100 family members in attendance. She never forgot a birthday or anniversary. She and Jack became surrogate parents to many nieces and nephews after the children’s parents passed away. In every sense, Terry was “the glue that kept everything together” – a steady and loving presence who united all those around her.

Terry was the beloved wife of the late John J. “Jack” McDevitt; the loving mother of Susan Aveis (Mark), Patty Martin (Drew), Jack McDevitt (Mary Anne) and Theresa Cicalese (Ralph). She was the devoted grandmother (Grum) of thirteen and caring great-grandmother of seventeen. Her eighteenth great grandchild is expected in the fall. She is predeceased by her siblings, George E. Cunningham, Michael J. Cunningham, Dolores Rogers, Francis Earl Cunningham, Ruth Anne Kelly and Thomas Cunningham.

Relatives and friends are invited to honor Terry at her services beginning with a Viewing on Sunday evening, July 19, 2026, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at The Donohue Funeral Home, 3300 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA. Services will continue on Monday morning, July 20, 2026, with a Viewing, 9:00 AM to 10:15 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 136 Saxer Avenue, Springfield, PA, followed by a Funeral Mass commencing at 10:30 AM. Interment thereafter at SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield, PA.

Contributions in memory of Terry can be made to National Multiple Sclerosis Society, https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Donate or to Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast High School, https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=fae88b.