Ethel Sarah Demerais
(August 30, 1918 – September 30, 2011)

The family of Ethel Demerais, late of Birch Hills, is deeply saddened to announce her passing on September 30, 2011 at the age of 93 years. Mom passed away peacefully at home with family by her side.

Mom was born in Coxby District August 30, 1918 to Rupert & Flora Ballendine. She married Louis Ray Demerais on March 22, 1939. Dad joined the army in 1941 and did his war time service mostly in Regina, where they lived till his discharge in 1946. They moved back to Coxby and eventually to Birch Hills in 1954.

Mom worked various jobs as a waitress, cook, seamstress but her most important job was as a mother. Ethel and Louis raised 13 children but were also predeceased by 3 infants: Bobby, Norma, and Ethel.

Mom is survived by her children: Faith (Dennis) Leonard, daughter in-law Wendy, Ken (Mavis), Dennis, Clive, Maureen (Ken Konkin) Malone-Konkin, Doug (Linda), George (Margaret), Elaine (Gordon) Walker, Sidney (Beatrice), Verla (Vern) Becker, Lyle (Angela), and Lisa; her sisters-in-law: Ruby Ballendine and Stella Ballendine-Hollands; her special niece Edna Butz and all her nieces and nephews. Mom was predeceased by her husband Louis in 1990; her son Bill in 2009; their infant children Bobby, Norma, and Ethel; her parents Rupert & Flora Ballendine; her brothers: George, Lawrence, Sandy, Harold, and Hubert; her sisters: Rubina, Hazel, Carrie and Katie.

Mom made many friends over the course of her life. She extended friendship, motherhood or a loving shoulder to all who entered her door. A kind heart, a gentle spirit with an infectious giggle, she always extended her love, not just to her kids and grandkids but everyone she met. Mom battled with a fierce determination to overcome cancer and many times in the past three years we thought the battle was lost, but she recovered through her great faith and will. Her work was not done.

The family wishes to thank the angels in Mom’s life: Dr Loots, Jodi Evans and Darlene Yeaman and especially Father Chris Harper for his guidance and support. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St Phillips Cemetery Fund, or the Canadian Cancer Society, 54 11th St. E Prince Albert, SK S6V 0Z9, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

A Prayer Service will be held Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at Northern Funeral Service, MacKenzie Chapel, 130-9th St. East, Prince Albert at 7:00pm. A Funeral Service will be held Thursday, October 6, 2011 at St Mary’s Anglican Church, Birch Hills at 2:00pm. Rev. Father Chris Harper officiating. Interment at St. Phillips Cemetery in Coxby.

Arrangements in care of Northern Funeral Service, MacKenzie Chapel. Brian and Bev Stobbs, Funeral Directors. 306-763-8488 www.northernfuneralservice.ca

• Date : 2011-09-30 06:00:00
• Location : Birch Hills, SK