Borghild Demmers

Borghild I. Demmers CHESAPEAKE - Borghild Irene Demmers, 89, formerly of Houston, died peacefully Oct. 20, 2009, with her daughter, Nancy, at her side. She was born in Minneapolis, Feb. 15, 1920, to Sven and Alette (Digre) Wilson and was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church June 13, 1920. She leaves to cherish her memory her brother, Rudy (JoAnn) of Minnetonka, Minn.; son, Jim Demmers (Cheri) of Atlanta; daughter, Nancy Grimm and "favorite son-in-law" Rich of Chesapeake; three devoted grandchildren, Erik Demmers of Atlanta and Brian and Bridget Grimm of Chesapeake. She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Len; her brothers, Arvid and Elmer; and her beloved daughter and grandson, Sandy and Jeff Bennett. Borgie graduated from North High in Minneapolis. She worked at Prudential prior to World War II. During the war, she was an air raid warden and worked as an expediter at the Twin Cities Ordnance Plant in New Brighton in support of her country. She and Len met while living in the same building ("He looked so handsome in his yellow sweater," she often said) and wrote letters during the 18 months he was stationed on Guadalcanal with the U.S. Navy. They were married Jan. 30, 1945, and had 52 years together before Len's death in 1997. Borgie was a longtime member of Memorial Lutheran Church in Houston, and attended First Lutheran Church in Norfolk, when in Chesapeake. She volunteered for more than 30 years with the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Children's Art Project in honor of her daughter Sandy, who passed away in 1979 from cancer. Borgie was active in her local AARP chapter, loved working outdoors in her yard and enjoyed her many dear and lifelong friends. A loving, generous and sweet mother and grandmother, she will be missed deeply by all who knew and loved her. Borgie fought cancer on her own terms, with optimism, independence and determination. She maintained her pride, dignity and sense of humor until the end. She showed everyone the true meaning of "stubborn Norwegian." The family wishes to thank the loving caregivers at Chesapeake Regional Hospice, especially Linda Bellew, Barbara Pecsok, John Haga and Georgetta Wells and the administration and staff at Sentara Village, with a special thanks to Chrissy, Erin, Lisa, Kim, Chris, Nicole and Jeannette. Memorial donations may be made to the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Children's Art Project, P.O. Box 301435, Houston, TX 77230-1435 or to First Lutheran Church, 1301 Colley Ave., Norfolk, VA 23517. The memorial service will be held Saturday, Nov. 7, at 11:30 a.m. in First Lutheran Church. Arrangements are being handled by Cremation Society of Virginia. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.cremate.org.