21 October 1857 4 Paterson Street Launceston Tasmania Australia John Joyce Robert Keith

Mary Frances Devall was born in Launceston on 21 Oct 1857, the youngest child of James John Devall (c.1819-1895) and his wife Sarah Cross (1827-1914). Her elder sister Sarah was born on 20 Dec 1846 and died aged 22 in Apr 1869. Her brother William was born on 8 Apr 1849 but died when he was four years old. Her sister Emily was born on 26 Jun 1851 and married Thomas Potter in 1885.

Mary won an award for her Arasene embroidery work 'Group of water lilies' in the Tasmanian Exhibition in 1891-92. She and her mother ran a ladies' school from their home.

When she was 35 Mary was married to 53-year-old John Joyce on 1 Feb 1893 at her mother's house in Paterson Street by Rev. William Law of the Congregational Church. The couple had one son, Robert Keith, born on 25 Nov 1893. John died on 12 Oct 1912 in Launceston. Mary died aged 88 on 30 Jun 1946 in Launceston and is buried with her husband at Carr Villa in Section C No. 198.

Mary's mother Sarah Devall is also in the Family Album.

Marion Sargent Nov 2007 & Prue McCausland March 2009