Washington Township Administrator DeVos Dies of COVID-19 | Coronavirus
Washington Township administrator Peggy DeVos, elected to the board of directors in November 2020 after being a staunch opponent of the purchase of Total Sports Park, died Wednesday night at Detroit Medical Center.
Peggy DeVos
“After communicating with Administrator Peggy DeVos’ husband last night, I am deeply sorry to announce the passing of the Washington Township Administrator,” Washington Township Supervisor Sebastian “Sam” said Thursday morning. Previti, on his Facebook page. “Peggy was dedicated to the families and businesses of Washington Township. At this time, on behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I offer our deepest condolences to Peggy’s family and ask all of us to respect their privacy during this difficult time. God be with Peggy in Heaven and God bless her family! “
Previti said Thursday DeVos was struck by COVID-19 at the end of March. She was put on a ventilator in early April and had been in hospital for about a month before succumbing to the virus. Some social media posts said DeVos died after being placed in a medically induced coma after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Previti said this information was false and that he did not know where the rumor came from.
DeVos, 53, was the top vote holder in the November 2020 election for proxy. On his campaign website, DeVos wrote that his decision to go into politics was largely due to the township’s proposal to institute a $ 1 million tax levy to buy the entire sports park on Powell Road and convert it. in the canton’s leisure center. The proposal was strongly rejected in November 2019.
When Previti ran for Supervisor in November 2020, she campaigned with DeVos.
Judge Denis LeDue, standing far left, of the 42nd District Court poses with newly sworn members of the Washington Township Board of Directors including, from top left, Supervisor Sam Previti, Clerk Stanley Babinski and administrator Gary Kopp, and seated, administrators Peggy DeVos and Cindy Olsen. (Photos by George Norkus)
“I met Peggy a few years ago when she got involved in the parks and rec-milling proposal,” said Previti. “I admired that she came out with her passion for parks and recreation. She was very passionate about the community, very diligent and very thorough, and I respected that. She was always very well prepared.
Previti said he was in contact with DeVos at the end of March when she told him she was not feeling well. Communication continued in early April and then ended when she was placed on a ventilator. At that time, Previti kept in touch with her family through Peggy’s husband, Matt.
“I was in shock when I got the call,” said Previti. “I thought she would be okay with it.”
DeVos was an 18-year-old resident of Washington Township and worked as an architectural designer. She is survived by her husband, Matt, and her 14 year old son, Shane. Previti said funeral arrangements for Thursday afternoon were still pending.
The Washington Township Board of Directors has 45 days to appoint a resident at DeVos headquarters. This person will have to go through the process of the primary elections this summer and, if successful, the general elections in November to fulfill the last two years of DeVos’ tenure. Previti said the issue of appointing a replacement for DeVos will be discussed at the next township meeting on Wednesday May 5.
Peggy DeVos is the cousin of Richmond Township Supervisor Chris DeVos. Both were elected to their posts last November.
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