Mary DEMARCO

1926 - 2021

MARY DEMARCO (née Valenti) 1926-2021 Mary DeMarco died peacefully at home with family on February 25, 2021, at the age of 94. Mary was born in Toronto, the eldest of nine children. Her mother Anna emigrated from Sicily in 1925 to marry Antonino (Tony). Mary was an industrious, brilliant, talented, vivacious, caring optimist with a great sense of humour. Her frugality and resourcefulness were legendary. No job was too small or too big for her, ranging from knitting socks to replacing shingles on the roof of the house. In 1948, she married Frank DeMarco and moved to Windsor to join Frank who had begun his teaching career at Assumption University in 1946. Their first child was born in 1949, followed by 11 more, to make an even six girls and six boys (Maria DeMarco, Anna Moore (Jack), Jeanie DeMarco, Paula DeMarco, Chris DeMarco (Brian Riera), John DeMarco (Martha), Dan DeMarco (Kim), Tom DeMarco, Jim DeMarco, Terry DeMarco (Fraser Godfrey), Robert DeMarco (Linda) and Jerry DeMarco (Anne Bell). Over the years Mary loved both hosting and attending the numerous family gatherings. As the grandchildren multiplied, so did the family visits. Many of her grandchildren's fondest memories are of painting with their Nana on the "back porch" at Oakleigh. She is fondly remembered by 26 grandchildren (Mark, Steve, Dom, Jocelin, Jamie, Juliann, Georgia, Trevor, Glenn, Jenny, Stephen, Mike, Nick, Alexandra, Michael, Jackie, Robert, Laura, Thomas, Ollie, Sam, Alex, Matt, Adrian, Kestrel and Cassie). She also missed by 13 great-grandchildren and counting. Even after having a houseful of children, she carved out time to attend evening art classes, as well as enrolling in courses of art, language, and art history. Once all the children had finally left home, she loved to sketch with a group of friends. Charming and historic homes and nature themes were among her favourite subjects. Over the years, with the help of Frank as chief frame-maker, she raised thousands of dollars for charity through her art exhibitions. She lived long enough to see her husband, Frank, reach his centennial birthday on February 14, 2021. They celebrated together with a virtual family gathering in their home. Special heart-felt gratitude goes to Dan and Kim and their children to enable Mary to stay in her own home through illness over the last several years. Ella Muzzin has given Mary and Frank tremendous support and friendship over the years. We have also been blessed to have many wonderful support workers lending a hand from Amy's Helping Hands and the LHIN. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for memorial donations to be made to the ""Mary DeMarco Visual Arts Scholarship"" at the University of Windsor. Donations can be made online using this link: Donate to the Mary DeMarco Visual Arts Scholarship or by cheque written to the University of Windsor noting the memorial gift, or by calling 519-253-3000 ext. 3957. Interment will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery in LaSalle alongside her eldest daughter, Maria. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Families First, 3260 Dougall Ave., South Windsor, 519-969-5841. A celebration of Mary's life will be announced at a later date as Covid-19 rules permit. Share memories photos or make a donation online at www.FamiliesFirst.ca.