Margaret Annette DeVito

Margaret Annette DeVito, 93,a lifelong resident of Duffy Road, Watertown, NY, peacefully passed away on November 6, 2023, at her cherished home, surrounded by her loving family, and under the attentive care of Hospice of Jefferson County. 

Annette was born on December 26, 1929, the daughter of Frederick L. and Edna (Cring) Bones, of Harrisville, NY, and she was the great-great-granddaughter of Foskit Harris, the founder of Harrisville. 

After graduating from Harrisville Central High School in June of 1947, Annette pursued her passion for nursing by attending the House of the Good Samaritan School of Nursing, graduating in 1950. She went on to work as an operating room nurse at the House of the Good Samaritan Hospital, now known as Samaritan Medical Center, for three years. Her dedication to nursing continued as she served as a pediatric charge nurse from 1960 until her retirement on February 25, 1993. 

On September 13, 1952, Annette married Joseph M. DeVito in Harrisville, NY with Rev. Arthur Blunden officiating. Together they raised their family on Duffy Road, where they resided since December 29, 1959. 

Annette’s first summer job as a teanager was at Bill and Helen Graft's Totem Camp for children near Harrisville where she was a kitchen helper.  She was actively involved with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, remaining engaged with the Boy Scouts until her three sons achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Annette was also an enthusiastic supporter of her children’s school and sports activities. In addition, she cared for her mother who was disabled for many years in their home, and was also the caretaker for her father and aunt. Annette enjoyed winter activities such as cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Her hobbies included tending to her extensive vegetable garden, canning and freezing its produce, crafting strawberry and raspberry jams, engaging in various needlework projects, antiquing furniture, baking delicious donuts, and creating handmade Christmas greeting cards that were treasured by those who received them as well as mittens and afghans. She was known for her generosity, always ready to provide transportation to anyone in need, earning her a “chauffeur's cap.” Annette’s greatest joy in life was the time she spent with her large family, and her warmth and kindness will be dearly missed by all who knew her. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. 

Annette is survived by her three daughters and son-in-law, Suzanne K. DeVito, Watertown, NY, Nancy R. Plummer, Watertown, NY, and Rebecca A and David Dingman, Dexter, NY; three sons and two daughter-in-law, Frederick L. and Brenda DeVito, Chesapeake, VA, Joseph M and Nancy DeVito Jr., Broken Arrow, OK, and William A. DeVito, Watertown, NY, 10  grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild; a sister Helen May Hemings, GA, two nieces and a nephew. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Joseph M. DeVito, on February 2, 2008, and a son-in-law, Francis Plummer, on May 19, 2022. 

Arrangements are with the Hart and Bruce Funeral Home. A private memorial service for the family will be held at a later date, with burial at Brookside Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham Street, Watertown, NY, 13601, or to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation with the Children’s Miracle Network of Northern New York, 830 Washington Street, Watertown, NY, 13601. 

Online condolences may be left at www.hartandbrucefh.com.

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