Obituary of M. Stephanie Devine

M. Stephanie (Kirchner) Devine was born on February 6, 1953 in Terre Haute Indiana. She is preceded in death by her father, Robert Earl Kirchner and her mother, Mary Estella (Smith) Kirchner. Stephanie is survived by her husband Gary Devine, beloved dog Princess Sparkles; sisters Vickie Kirchner Watach (Jack) of Horseheads, NY and Sherrie Kirchner Ashley (Don) of Manteno, IL. Stephanie is also survived by her nieces and nephews Casey Watach Lauck (Marshall), Jodey Watach Buchanan (Jay), Jack Watach, Randi Burg (Kevin), and Michael Welch. She would especially be remembered by her great nieces and nephews Shane, Quintin, Braden, and Avery Buchanan, Carrington, Emerson, and Cheyenne Lauck, RandiBeth and Michael Welch, and Morgan and Blake Watach. Stephanie had no children of her own but was mother to many. She lived for her husband Gary, from whom she was never apart, her great nieces and nephews mentioned above, and her beloved dogs. Steph had a soft heart for anyone or anything suffering. Steph loved hosting family gatherings, making a huge deal of all holidays, Super Bowl, Fourth of July, and Halloween. Steph created beautiful items in crocheting or knitting for welcoming babies, and supporting animal rescue sites. Steph was a devoted Correctional Officer along with her husband, Gary, for many years. She believed in treating all human beings with dignity and respect which earned her the respect of those in her charge. Steph even had squirrels return time after time, waiting on her for their daily peanut treats. Steph lived for her nieces and nephews and then her great nieces and nephews as she could never have children of her own. Family was of utmost importance to her and she gave all she had to give. She enjoyed the company of many devoted friends and neighbors in her long-time neighborhood in "birdland" of Horseheads, NY. Rite of Cremation and celebration of life will be held at Barber Funeral Home, 413 S. Main St., Horseheads, NY on Wednesday, April 12th from 4 to 5pm. Her funeral service will follow at 5pm. In lieu of flowers, Steph specifically requested any memorials in her name to be made to the local animal shelter or any animal rescue of the donor's choice.