Helen J. DeVos, a philanthropist from western Michigan known for her support of children’s health, Christian education and the arts, has died at age 90.
Her family says in a statement that she died Wednesday of complications from a stroke following a recent diagnosis of myeloid leukemia.
DeVos was the wife of Rich DeVos, who co-founded direct-sales company Amway and owns the Orlando Magic. He says she was “a wonderful wife and the heart of our family.”
She was also the mother-in-law of U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.
Helen DeVos was born in Grand Rapids, where a children’s hospital is named after her.
An Amway spokeswoman says in an email Helen DeVos died in the Grand Rapids-area community of Ada Township and funeral arrangements were pending.
