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ERICA (RICKI) DEVINS
Our beautiful wife, mother, Nana, and friend.
Ricki had the ability to connect with people authentically, and was intentional about cultivating deep, supportive relationships. She had enough kindness for everyone who needed it, and was wide-open in letting people know how she felt. Always lots of love.
Ricki had the opportunity to hone her empathetic qualities through her career as a guidance counsellor at Churchill High School. She had the honour of supporting and befriending students from all walks of life, doing work she knew was important and that she loved. Ricki began her career at Prince Charles School, supporting students living with intellectual disability. This is where she met her best friend and husband, Buddy. They made their family home in Riverview, where they could be seen walking or riding bikes each evening for almost 40 years. Always together.
Home was her favourite place. She had a lovely childhood with her parents and brother, and carried that experience into her own home as a parent. Ricki’s home was inviting; she created beautiful meals and meaningful traditions for family, friends and community. The home she co-created was full of books, art and music – a space that binded creativity and togetherness.
In retirement she continued her role as a counsellor, supporting friends and family through their cancer experiences and more. She also grew more deeply in her creativity – sewing, knitting, and cooking as a way to express her care for others. She was known around craft sales as The Mighty Sparrow. Later, when her grandchildren were born, she excitedly refocused her life towards caring for them.
Ricki felt a deep gratitude for the good life she lived. Her final days were comfortable, surrounded by family and close to home. She was an anchor and a guide in life for so many people. We will smile when we think of her; we will feel love, grief, and joy because we were lucky enough to have known her.
Ricki was predeceased by her parents Mildred and Percy Devins. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband Bud Gillies, daughter Bailey (Andrew), son Toby (Justine) and grandchildren Gigi and Otto, brother Jerry (Bev) and many cherished family members and friends.
The family thanks CancerCare and Riverview Health Centre for their compassionate care.
A memorial service in Celebration of Ricki’'s Life will be scheduled for a later date.
Donations can be made in Ricki’s name to Rossbrook House.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 04, 2024
Condolences & Memories (20 entries)
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All the words that have been shared here, condolences, memories, and love truly are the best testament to Ricki's character. You were such a shining beacon to so very many. I like to think that the beacon is not snuffed, but now multiplied as a result of the love you put out into the world. Thank you for all the kindness you shared with me, and showing me the acceptance you did. I will continue to cherish my handwritten recipe from you, for Komish Broit. Sending so much love to the family. My thoughts are with you. - Posted by: Kristin Norman (friend of family) on: May 15, 2024
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Ricki with the biggest beautiful smile. After High School we had lost touch, we reconnected during Covid she made me the most beautiful mask. I heard all about her family her eyes sparkled when she spoke of all of you she was so proud. May you rest in peace dear beautiful friend to her family may you cherish the memories you shared for death can not take those away from. 💋💋💋💋💐💐💐Tonina (Toni) Fiorentino (Filippelli) Grant Park High School frie - Posted by: Tonina Fiorentino (High School friend) on: May 15, 2024
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I know she was married but I always called her Ms Devins. You were about the only staff member that didn't yell or frown when annoyed with us. Thanks for your smile and love and kindness ALWAYS even when maybe we felt we didn't deserve it. I also want to thank you for teaching me in Churchill High School to always have a plan B for life...you were right. I love you Ms Devins and condolences to the family. - Posted by: Kelly Chypyha (Former Student at Churchill High School ) on: May 11, 2024
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Erica Devins was a gem, so genuine you always knew she was the real deal. Her easy laugh, sparkling eyes and big hugs were parts of her that she shared generously. Ricki will be greatly missed but her memory will warm our hearts forever. Fran Gropp, friend and neighbour. - Posted by: Fran Gropp (friend) on: May 11, 2024
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My condolences to Ricki’s family. I left Winnipeg many years ago but was good friends with Jerry, Ricki’s brother. I have very fond memories of Ricki growing up. She was beautiful and intelligent. I also have wonderful memories of spending time with the whole Devins family. - Posted by: Stephen Plotkin (Friend) on: May 07, 2024
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I would not be here if it wasn't for Ricki and her wonderful family. She was my biggest cheerleader, advocate, translator, sage, and inspiration. We shared a very special bond based on shared sensitivity and her genuine care and belief in me gave me the permission to do the same. Ricki will be missed in such a profound, earth changing way but her energy and love will always be felt, her words of wisdom playing on repeat and her compassion and understanding passed down through example of all fortunate enough to have been witness to it in her extraordinary life. - Posted by: Josh McSkimming (Friend) on: May 07, 2024
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I knew Ricki growing up on Ash Street when we were children. She was the sweetest person I knew as a child. I have nothing but wonderful memories of her and carefree days in River Heights. My condolences to her family. - Posted by: John Sisler (Friend) on: May 06, 2024
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Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of Ricki. We were friends as youngsters and through our teen years and I have many happy memories of time spent with her and her parents in her childhood home. Ricki was a warm, kind and beautiful person and I will always remember her fondly. - Posted by: Sharon Walder (Friend) on: May 06, 2024
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To Ricki’s family and brother Jerry & family, deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved Ricki. Our parents were dear friends and my brother with Jerry. Ricki was always the kindest, sweetest, most earnest and warm person I can remember in my youthful years. Seeing her would light up anyone in her orbit. May her light always shine bright, May her memory be a blessing. Judy Plotkin - Posted by: Judy Plotkin (Childhood family friend) on: May 06, 2024
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My mom Roberta and Ricki were good friends My sincerest condolences to her family. - Posted by: Alissa Miller (Mom’s friend) on: May 05, 2024
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I will always remember Jerry’s beautiful “little” sister with great fondness and the wonderful youthful experiences I enjoyed at the Devins home. - Posted by: Marty Koyle (Friend) on: May 05, 2024
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It is hard to imagine the impacts, great and small, Ricki had on our community and the world. To reach out to so many lives is incredible. Ricki made young people feel seen and noticed. She saw them as co-collaborators and world-shapers along side her. It is a sweet and rare gift to meet each person with so much love. I'll always picture Ricki smiling her incredible smile and will miss running into her on Riverview streets. - Posted by: Esther McNairnay (Friend of Toby) on: May 05, 2024
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To Bud, Bailey, Toby and the entire family, I am sending you my deepest condolences. Ricki was an extraordinary woman whose warmth, kindness, and generosity touched the lives of everyone around her. She was like a second mother to all of us. I'll never forget the countless times she showed gentleness and compassion, not just to me, but to everyone she met. Losing her is heartbreaking. I hope that remembering her deep love and the memories we all shared brings some comfort, but the void she leaves behind is immense. I'm here for you, whatever you need, Leanne - Posted by: Leanne GB (Family Friend) on: May 05, 2024
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I was a friend of Ricki's when we were in Elementary School and then later in early adulthood. I remember her father taking the two of us rollerskatiing. He was so patient and helped Ricki and I. Ricki was always smiling. There was a goodness and kindness in her that you could see and feel. She was a very genuine and kind soul. It's really sad because the world needs to be full of Ricki's right now. This warm and compassionate mother, wife, and grandmother will be missed. Caryn Martin - Posted by: Caryn Martin (maiden name Shapera (Friend) on: May 04, 2024
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I am so deeply sorry and at a loss that my beautiful friend of over 35 years has left this world. Her passing leaves a profound void in the lives of all who knew her. She was a remarkable soul, cherished for her unwavering friendship, compassion, empathy and boundless love she extended to everyone around her. I remember the joy she shared when she spoke of her dreams and wishes for her family. Her love for her family, Buddy, Toby and Bailey was evident in every word she spoke and every action she took. In her presence, kindness and warmth radiated effortlessly, touching the hearts of those fortunate enough to know her. She was always a pillar of strength, had a listening ear, a shoulder to lean on, simply a friend… her absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Goodbye my friend. Love you always. It has been an honour. I will remember you always. - Posted by: Antonina De Pau (Friend ) on: May 04, 2024
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I knew Ricki through her children Toby and Bailey and will remember her kind heart as expressed in big smiles, generous hugs, and affirming words. Anytime I expressed anything about how nice it was to have gained this large friend group through her children or how welcome I felt by her family she would affirm so easily "we love you!" which meant so much. I remember as well small kindness and inclusions like doing errands with Toby and stopping by her and Bud's place and leaving with a little sour cream container full of salad, or being alloted some of the holiday baking when living with Toby and Justine. Will miss you and will continue to enjoy your spirit through the family and people you enriched. - Posted by: Steve Basham (Friend of the family) on: May 04, 2024
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From our family to yours, our deepest condolences. We’ll miss seeing Ricki walking and biking around the neighbourhood. She’ll be remembered as such a warm and joyful person in our hearts. - Posted by: Amanda Karpinsky (Neighbour & former student ) on: May 04, 2024
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A lovely person inside out with a mischievous humour, immense generosity of spirit and great compassion. Huge loss for all who knew her. Deepest condolences to Bud and family from Tom and Bette. - Posted by: Tom Lovatt (Friend and colleague ) on: May 04, 2024
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Our deepest condolences to Buddy, Bailey, Toby and the rest of your family. Ricki was a wonderful soul and will be sorely missed. Bailey has been like a second daughter to our family since she and our daughter Angela met in kindergarten. I know this loss has hit Bailey and the rest of the family deeply. Our hearts go out to you all in this time of grief. Ricki, your loving and beautiful nature will always be remembered. With love and sympathy, Donna and Mike Ansell. - Posted by: Donna Ansell (friend of family) on: May 04, 2024
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I didn't know Ricki well, but you didn't have to to see that she had a beautiful soul. She was a shining star. - Posted by: Terri Cherniack (acquaintance) on: May 04, 2024