Alexandra "Alex" E. DeVinny Racine – The race that Alex DeVinny had with life was cut short by her long time rival, anorexia nervosa. She lost that race on Sunday, March 5, 2006 when her large and generous heart just stopped beating. She was 20 years old. Alex was born in Racine on October 14, 1985 to Doug and Lana (nee: Carmony) DeVinny. During her brief two decades she touched many people with her intelligence, humor, courage and athletic ability. She was recognized as a runner of rare athletic ability who set course records throughout the state, winning the state championship in the 3200 M race in her junior year. But more than a fine athlete she excelled academically, graduating with honors from Park High School in 2004 and recruited by many universities. Unfortunately, she was unable to attend as the eating disorder became more controlling. Her love of books, popular culture, Nike apparel and Steve Madden shoes was legendary. She was also a talented artist whose interest was in making jewelry created with her hand made lamp work beads. As an eighth grader she was awarded a WCATY (Wisconsin Center for Academically Talented Youth) grant to pursue research in hot glass bead making. Most importantly, Alex was a kind, honest and generous human being who cared deeply for her family and friends, as well as for social issues and environment. She will forever be missed by the people she touched, but especially by her family. In addition to her parents, Doug and Lana DeVinny of Racine her survivors include her sisters, Gabrielle (Michael) Fekete of Cary, NC, Erika (Colin) Willard of Greenville, NC; her nephews, Jared, Colten and Jack Willard; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins throughout the United States. Her two four legged friends, Baby and Nike are still waiting for her to come home. Family and friends are invited to meet in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Friday evening from 5-8 pm for a public visitation. The service celebrating Alex's life will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2006 at 10:30 am at Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church (1700 S. Green Bay Rd.) with Rev. Kara F. Baylor officiating. There will also be a visitation on Saturday from 9:30 until 10:30. Burial will take place at Graceland Cemetery on Monday, March 13th at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family who will establish something in Alex's name at a later time.

Her family wishes to thank the brave efforts of the ER and Intensive Care Unit of All Saints – St. Mary's Medical Center to save Alex's life, especially the caring and skilled nurses, Kerri and Mary Jo. They would also like to encourage those who work in law enforcement, human services, and the justice system to think seriously about the victims of anorexia nervosa and make the effort to care for them in a way that would treat the disorder rather than punish the victim.