Shirley E. Demers

Shirley Elizabeth Demers, 86, formerly of Columbia, NJ, died peacefully on Tuesday evening, August 23, 2022 at the Carbondale Nursing Home. Shirley went to join the love of her life, Doeke Demers, who passed away August 27, 2017. They had been married for 62 years.
Born April 28, 1936 in Bangor PA. She was the daughter of the late Harold and Velma Wickett Lambert.
Together with her husband, Doeke they lived their lives working together on their beloved family farm raising their children surrounded by family. Shirley loved to care for all her "babies" on the farm and tend to her precious gardens. She loved to cook, can and bake. She could often be found in her apron in the kitchen. Her family and friends especially loved and looked forward to her Strawberry and Peach jam every summer.
Shirley retired from farming and went to work at Smitty's Liquor Store which was owned by her late brother-in-law, Ralph "Smitty" Smith. Shirley worked alongside her nieces, nephew and friends who became family. Shirley could be found in the deli making her famous macaroni salad, homemade soups and sandwiches. Shirley was one of a kind and no one ever had to wonder what she was thinking. Her stories and quick wit will be missed by everyone who knew her.
Shirley's greatest accomplishment in life was helping Doeke to raise their four children. Shirley took great pride in her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Shirley is survived by four children: Connie Mitchell of Carbondale PA, Cindy Grodkiewicz and husband, Jeff, of Glen Gardner, NJ, Randy Demers and Danny Demers both of Columbia, NJ; six grandchildren: Laurel Masco and husband, John of Carbondale PA, Christina Smith and husband, Steve of Glen Gardner, NJ, Aaron Hayes and wife, Lori of Carbondale PA, Jeremy Grodkiewicz, of Portland, OR, Devon Grodkiewicz and wife, Kathryn of Jamaica Plain, MA, and Travis Grodkiewicz, of Glen Gardner NJ; four great-grandchildren: Mitchell, Elias, BaellaEve and Calo; four sisters: Fay Patrick, of Bangor PA, Betty Goedeke and husband, Bill of Galesburg, Ill., Irene M. Hothouse of East Stroudsburg, PA, and Gail Shook and husband, Dean of East Bangor, PA; sisters-in-law: Mary Smith of Columbia, NJ and Joann Lambert of East Stroudsburg, PA; and several nieces and nephews.
She was also preceded in death by her son-in-law: William Mitchell; sisters: Pauline and Janet; and brother: Barry.
The family would like to thank the staff at Forest City Personal Care Home, Carbondale Nursing Home, Dr. Hayley and his office staff for their compassionate care shown to Shirley.
Services will be private for the family.
Arrangements by Carmine J. & Louis C. Parise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Carbondale, PA.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Shirley's memory to the charity of one's choice.
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