Irene DeMers
June 7, 1916 ~ June 25, 2010
Mary Irene Seraphina French was born on June 7, 1916 in rural Oakwood, North Dakota to Alcide and Delima (Samson) French. She passed away on June 25, 2010 at the Palliative Care Unit of Meritcare in Fargo, under the fabulous care of staff and in the company of her family.
Irene attended Catholic school through the eighth grade and as one of the younger members of a large farm family she kept busy doing the family baking and as she got older took care of her nieces and nephews for her siblings.
On June 29, 1938, Irene married Edward Joseph DeMers at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oakwood, North Dakota. Irene and Edward farmed on the family farm for nearly sixty years. Along with farming, Irene was an accomplished seamstress, creating everything from wedding dresses to draperies. She sang in the church choir for over 50 years, was active in the Oakwood Homemakers, and a charter member of the Eagle's Auxiliary. Irene was extremely energetic and competitive. She was a curler, going to the women's national bonspiel for two years and was President and National Representative of the Heather Curling Club. When Edward and Irene retired they became regular snowbirds, spending their winters in Mesa, Arizona where they remained active in many activities.
Edward passed away on May 26, 2000 and Irene moved to Fargo in October of that year. Since that time she remained active with her family and friends, both old and new. She play cards regularly (and expertly) and was an avid Minnesota Twins fan.
Irene was fervent about her Catholic faith. She and Edward were members of the Sacred Heart Church in Oakwood and when she moved to Fargo, Irene became a member of Holy Spirit. Her faith was strong and personal; it guided her through her trials and gave her an extremely strong and beautiful spirit.
Irene is survived by her two sons, Myron (Eleanore) DeMers and Rodney (Paulette) DeMers, both of Fargo. Eight grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, and eighteen great grandchildren.
She was preceded by her parents; her husband Edward; many infant children, brothers Damas, Albert, Henry, George, and Raymond French; sisters Emelia Tremblay, Amanda Remillard, Angeline Lafreniere, Philomene Sand, Marie Sweet, and Theresa Brown.
Pallbearers: Grandchildren Guy DeMers; Michael DeMers; Scott (Delilah) DeMers; Pamela (Dave) Buchholz; Kevin DeMers; John (Danika) DeMers; Kathryn (Brady) Mathison; and Lisa (Jared) Cook, and step-grandchildren Mike Sorenson, Jennifer (Blair) Briggs, Eric (Carrie) Winter, and Candice Tolman.
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Fargo ND
Mom lived a long life. Mom lived a good life. Mom’s Faith was strong. There was alot of mileage on her rosary.
Eversince dad died 10 years ago it has been pretty neat to watch mom and how she dealt with things. Whether things were good, bad, so so, she made the best of it. It seemed she would make her decisions, accept and move on.
Mom was artistic. She enjoyed her craft work. She was a seamstress. It seemed like she could make a ceramic dove out of a pigs ear.
Mom was witty, She was competative. She was sharp. As the kids would say”Grandma is a pretty sharp tool in the shed”.
Mom enjoyed playing cards, board games, dominoes, and doing puzzles. She didn’t always win. But when she did win or when she made a good board move, my memory of mom is the gleam in her eye, the belly giggle until tears would come down her cheeks, my memory of mom is the tease in her eyes about how she was pleased with herself for having done well…for having done the best she can. Let’s remember mom that way.
Goodbye mom. Say hello to dad. Happy anniversery because … your funeral day is exactly 72 years since you stood in this same church getting married. I can visualize their anniverary party: mom is singing dad is playing the accordian, friends and relatives are dancing. Mom and dad are enjoying their son and daughters who Rodney and I have not yet met. Goodbye mom. Love you, Myron
Our family sends our sympathy and love to the DeMers Family. Irene was a very special lady and we will miss her bright smile that always greeted us when we saw her.
Fountain City WIGod Bless Great Auntie Irene,
We were blessed as a family to have such a wonderful lady in our family. We will always treasure the memories of Uncle Edward and Auntie Irene standing in for my grandma and grandpa French at our wedding Sept. 3, 1983, they really made us feel so special.
Lord have Mercy on the soul of Irene Demers and let perpetual light shine upon her, she will be missed by many.
Grand Forks ND
MAY IT COMFORT YOU TO KNOW THAT
THE LOVING ARMS WHICH NOW
EMBRACE YOUR LOVED ONE
ARE THE VERY SAME ARMS HOLDING
YOU CLOSE IN YOUR SADNESS.
WITH SYMPATHY
Ladysmith WisconsinIrene was the remaining family member of my Dad’s family and wonderful Aunt.
Fargo ND
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. She is in a better place now and will be watching over all of you.
moorhead MN
We only met Irene a few times, but couldn’t help but being capitivated by her enournous heart and personality. When we heard she was 94, it was so shocking as she lived and looked like a much younger person. We feel very blessed for the times we were lucky enough to have with her,as she is just one of those people that made an impact on us and we will never forget her. God bless all of her family, including our niece danika, danika’s husband, john, and our precious great niece, maris. our thoughts, sympathy and prayers go out to all who loved her. Russ and Barb Nelson, Matti and Ali
moorhead MN
We only met Irene a few times, but couldn’t help but being capitivated by her enournous heart and personality. When we heard she was 94, it was so shocking as she lived and looked like a much younger person. We feel very blessed for the times we were lucky enough to have with her,as she is just one of those people that made an impact on us and we will never forget her. God bless all of her family, including our niece danika, danika’s husband, john, and our precious great niece, maris. our thoughts, sympathy and prayers go out to all who loved her. Russ and Barb Nelson, Matti and Ali
We are so thankful for all the wonderful memories with Grandma Irene. She always made an effort to see us whenever we were visiting. We will miss playing games with her, laughing, visiting and just being with her. We believe she is in an even better place now. We will miss her but will see her again one day. We are thankful to have her looking after us from now on.
God speed Aunt Irene’ I’ll always remember you being there for all our family doings. You were the one I remember as a child as the others were so far away. You will be truly missed but I know that you are enjoying the fruits of your loving care with my dad.
San Antonio TXI have nothing but very fond memories of my dear Aunt Irene. We lived far apart thru the years but there were visits of enjoyable memories. She is with the rest of her family now and rekindling with them and sharing many moments of happiness.
Irene was always my favorite aunt. Even though we didn’t see very much of each other, I felt all the kindness and caring she gave to everyone. What a beautiful lady.
St. Paul Mn.I will always look back with love for Aunt Irene. Long summer days of baseball in the front yard. Topped off with cake, ice cream and smiles. Your nephew, Orell.
Lindstrom MN
Uncle Edward and Aunt Irene lived across the road from us on the farm the whole time we were growing up. Although I have not seen Auntie for awhile she has always remained in my thoughts over the years. You could always hear her beautiful voice in the choir when they sang. I remember hearing that beautiful voice when my own mother died in 1995 and will never forget it. The song was “How Great Thou Art”. We will miss you auntie. Love, Carol