Obituary
Sigrid (Winquist) DeVita, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on April 26, 2026, at the age of 81 at John Knox Village.
Born on August 5, 1944, in Westfield, MA, Sigrid lived a life defined by love, resilience, and quiet strength. She devoted herself above all to her family, creating a life filled with warmth, laughter, and unwavering support.
Sigrid graduated from Westfield High School and Westfield State College. She married her true love, Gerard DeVita, on May 21, 1977.
She spent her life giving to and supporting others, including more than 20 years as a paraprofessional in the LSR7 School District, where she positively impacted countless children, parents, and colleagues. She also attended more of her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events than anyone could count, always their most enthusiastic supporter.
She was preceded in death by her soulmate and best friend, her husband of 37 years, Gerard DeVita. She was also predeceased by her father, E. Lawrence Winquist; her mother, Gretchen (Knittel) Winquist; and raised by her father, Gordon Cady.
She is survived by her children: Laura Sylvia (Matt) of Southwick, MA; Carrie Stone (Kevin) of Roeland Park, KS; Billy DeVita of Kansas City, MO; and Scott DeVita (Dina) of Olathe, KS. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jessa and Janie Connatser of Lee’s Summit, MO; and Katelyn, Josh, and Megan Sylvia of Southwick, MA; and her brothers, G. Scott Cady of Cornwall, CT, and Michael Cady of New Mexico. All will carry forward her kindness and spirit.
Sigrid had a gift for making others feel seen and cared for. Through her generosity, kindness, and vibrant personality, she left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She found joy in cheering on her children and grandchildren, watching baseball—especially the Royals and Red Sox—practicing her faith, and those moments reflected the heart of who she was.
She was most proud of her children and grandchildren and was always their number one fan. A bright light to all who knew her, Sigrid will be remembered for her strength, compassion, and the countless ways she showed love every day.
Sigrid never met a stranger and was never at a loss for words. Her infectious personality touched many lives, including her friends and neighbors at John Knox Village, her church family at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, and the broader Lee’s Summit community.
Later in life, Sigrid faced many challenges, including two brain surgeries after the age of 70, which she met with unwavering faith and purpose. She often repeated her favorite quote, “I don’t know what tomorrow holds, but I know who holds tomorrow.”
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of John Knox Village Assisted Living and Hospice for the love, care, and support they provided.
A visitation will be held on Monday, May 4, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 615 SE Todd George Parkway, Lee’s Summit, MO. A celebration of life service will follow, with burial at Lee’s Summit Historical Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sigrid’s memory to Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 615 SE Todd George Parkway, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063.
Condolences
Visitation
Lee's Summit, MO 64063
Services
Lee's Summit, MO 64086
I worked with her and had the privilege of living near her here at JKV. I will miss her
I will always remember Sigrid! She was the kindest and most devoted paraprofessional I knew! She always greeted me with a smile and made it a point to come to my classroom to talk. She was the best! I am going to miss her!
My sincere condolences to Carrie, Laura and all of your families and friends.
The love and lessons learned from all who knew Sig will live on forever. And the memories of her that bring smiles to your lips instead of the tears in your eyes…….will help your hearts heal.
The wonderful, crazy memories, some that made your cheeks hurt with laughter will always be with you, those never leave.
So very sorry for your loss….
Aunt Sandra
May God strengthen and comfort you during this difficult time.
Kids,
I was so sorry to hear about your Mom. She and I shared Facebook messages about our favorite teams all the time. A great lady.
-Jim Rechr
So very sorry for the loss of your sweet Mom. I had the privilege of meeting her when she attended a Stoneham High School, Class of 68, event where we reminisced about Gerry. He was a kind & thoughtful classmate who clearly married the love of his life.
Sigrid kept in touch through facebook. She will be missed. My condolences to all of you.
Sigrid had an incredible positive attitude, through all of it. I often think about her favorite quote about who holds tomorrow. There was a winter or two that Sigrid came to live with my family so that she wouldn’t have to drive to Westfield State on those treacherous Blandford roads. She was 12 years older than I was and we didn’t have much in common at the time. Much later, after my husband was diagnosed with cancer, we suddenly had common ground. From the cancer battle to widowhood we shared stories and support. We also watched the Red Sox and the NFL “together.” I always knew when the Chiefs got a touchdown, because I would get a “BOOM!” text! And if the Chiefs were down, she would text me to cheer louder. Her work here on earth is done, and she is at peace and no longer in pain, but damn I will miss her. Sending my sincerest condolences to all of her family. Much love, Marcia
Sorry for your loss. Sigrid was always so joyful and interested in what we were all doing when she and Gerry came to N.H. and visited with my parents Gus and Helen DeMaggio.
Although I’d only know Sigrid a short while, I learned what an amazing lady she was . I had the privilege of being one of her hospice volunteer visitors and looked forward to seeing her for every visit! She LOVED her family first and foremost and spoke of you all with such insight. What an incredible life she lived. I will continue to remember her with fondness and will be holding you all close in tender thoughts.
Oh I’m sorry to hear about Sigrid passing. I knew her as a proud grandma to Jessa and Janie. I saw her nearly everywhere I went. Most recently, I have visited with her many times at John Knox as I would be there to see my mom. Sigrid was a light and so very proud of her family. Blessings to you all as you navigate this journey of grief.
Love,
Nancy Monaghan
What a lovely tribute to your mom & grandmother. She talked of you all often. I will miss the services due to being out of town. I will miss Sigrid a lot!
I am so sorry to hear of Sigrid’s passing.
I am fortunate to have worked with her some through the schools. She was always kind and helpful to everyone and always shared her smile. She will be greatly missed.
Cherish the many memories you have made.
Sending lots of hugs and prayers.
Love
Kim
Sigrid and I spent many days at the ballpark watching our boys play ball.
There was not a prouder mom than Sigrid! I think my kids spent as much time at her house as they did their own! She was such a good person and friend. May she rest in peace with our Heavenly Father ✝️
What a delightful neighbor and friend Sigrid was thru all the years we knew one another; from Medina, OH, all the way to our OR home. A few days after we moved nextdoor in OH, I got a call from school of my sick child,; I had no car, I didn’t know what to do. Sigrid answered my knock, grabbed her keys and took me on the “mercy run”; no hesitation!:). That was the epitome of Sigrid…jump right in and help, a caring and immediate friend, no holds barred! In later years, she in MO and me in OR, as she and I went thru health crises, as we shared journeys and our faith, we both clung to the idea/saying, “God’s in your pocket; just put your hand in and hold His”. I even have a “useful souvenir/memory”… a large crockpot she gave me as you all were leaving the house, moving to MO; I think of she and Gerry each time I use it!:) Hugs, Love and Prayers to You All!
Sigrid and I have a love of sports-especially baseball. I moved to John Knox from St Louis and we met at a Bingo game. Sigrid was a fighter when it came to playing cards or bingo and her health issues. We texted frequently and kept up th Royals and Cardinals. Of course the Chiefs as well. I will miss you Sigrid as well as your children Carrie and Billy.
I am so very sorry for your loss, Sigrid was such a wonderful person. I was privileged to be acquainted with her.
Some of my most favorite memories from high school include Mrs. DeVita. She was such an amazing and supportive mom to all of us.
Sending your family strength and love.
Condolences to you and your family. Sigrid and I worked together many years ago for the Lees’s Summit School District. Sigrid was a beautiful soul and I was saddened to hear of her passing. She surely has her angel wings and may the perpetual light always shine upon her❤️🙏🏻