Obituaries

Margaret Devries Rainey died in her home on February 26, 2021, surrounded by family. Margaret was born October 9, 1923 in Fremont, Nebraska, to Perry and Allana Devries.

The family moved to California and initially settled in Pleasant Hill and later Fremont. She graduated from UC Berkeley and was a proud Cal Bear, attending many football games as an alum. Margaret was an avid reader and could still recite poetry she learned in college even in her last days. Her career was as a social worker and she worked her way up to Division Chief of Alameda County Welfare Department in Fremont. She married William E. Rainey in 1975 and they enjoyed 33 years of camping and travelling. Margaret was not only a social worker by career, but she was also committed to the most vulnerable of our population throughout her life.

She helped to spearhead the movement that led to the Tri-City Homeless Coalition and the Alameda County Child Welfare Club. At St. James Episcopal Church in Fremont, Margaret held leadership positions in the Altar Guild, Sunday School, and Vestry. Her most notable legacy is her family, whom she helped many of them to attain their college educations. She is preceded in death by her husband, William (Bill) Rainey, mother, Allana Devries, father, Perry Devries Sr. and brothers, Perry Jr. and Joshua. Margaret is survived by her nieces and nephews, Genie Devries, Sandy Devries, Ann Stoltz (Devries), and Doug Devries and eight great nieces and nephews, and four great, great, grand-nieces and nephews. Aunt Margie’s abiding faith and life of service were an inspiration to all who knew her.

Memorial contributions can be sent to the Church of the Epiphany, 300 West Street, Vacaville, CA 95688.