Mara Monique Devens
Age 45, passed away peacefully in the presence of her loving husband and her parents after a short, hard fought battle with cancer on October 10, 2021 at the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis MN.
Mara (Burginger) Devens was born on July 12, 1976 in Springfield, MN to Roger and Mary Jo (Essig) Burginger. She was welcomed home by an older sister Amanda (Mandy) and brothers Chad and Reade. They later welcomed another brother Bram. Mara attended and graduated from Red Rock Central High School in 1995 and then enlisted in the Army. After basic training, she was stationed in Germany for 3 years and served 8 months in the Bosnia Conflict. After active duty, she enlisted in the National Guard. She attended Minnesota State University and graduated with a degree in Recreation, Parks, and Leisure. She was deployed to Kuwait in 2005 where she served her country and also met the love of her life Craig Devens. They married in July 29, of 2006 and then were deployed again as a couple. They made their home in Prior Lake MN where she most recently worked as a Test Administrator for the Military in Minneapolis.
Mara enjoyed every aspect of life. She had a gift to make all those around her comfortable and make them feel loved. Her smile filled every room she entered and her laughter was contagious.
She was an avid runner and ran many marathons. Her goal was to run a marathon in every state. She ran 17 marathons in 14 different states.
She also enjoyed animals very much. Her pets included 3 cats and 2 dogs. She especially had a close bond with her dog Cody, who she had rescued. The bond that they shared was so very special. He needed her and she needed him.
To say knitting was Mara’s hobby would be a BOLD understatement. What started as a hobby to pass the time during her deployments turned into a small business that she started with her sister Mandy. 2 Jittery Sisters was a business born of their passion of knitting as well as their love of coffee. Together they shared their gifts with others through online tutorials and teaching their nieces. Just recently, 2 Jittery Sisters was granted a booth at the Renaissance Festival (one of Mara’s bucket list items).
Mara is survived by her husband Craig, her parents Roger and Mary Jo Burginger, sister Amanda (Cedric) Blanchette, brother Chad (Tammy) Burginger, brother Reade Burginger, brother Bram (Alissa) Burginger. Also numerous nieces and nephews and her fur babies Cody, Ella, and Snowman.
She is preceded in death by both sets of grandparents.
Visitation Friday, October 22, from 4:00-7:00 p.m., with sharing time beginning at 6:30 p.m., at McNearney-Schmidt Funeral and Cremation, 1220 - 3rd Avenue East, Shakopee, MN. Visitation also Saturday, October 23, from 1:00-2:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Mara's Life at 2:00 p.m. Private Family interment will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis. Memorials are preferred to the Wounded Warrior Project.