Willa A. DeMay, age 89, lifelong resident of Gladstone, passed away peacefully Friday afternoon, July 13, 2018, at Cedar Hill Assisted Living Facility, in Bark River, surrounded by her family.
Willa was born October 26, 1928, in Escanaba, the daughter of Herb and Nettie (Anderson) Lundmark. She was raised in Gladstone and was a 1946 graduate of Gladstone High School.
Following high school, Willa worked at Stella’s Café and for Dr. Byron Skellenger. She would also cook at the Bungalow for their Friday night fish fry.
On January 28, 1950, Willa was united in marriage to Peter DeMay and together the couple made their home, raised their eleven children and spent many wonderful years together in Gladstone. Willa and Pete passed on a strong faith in God to each of their children and they both treasured time well spent with family. Pete preceded Willa in death on December 1, 2012 following 62 beautiful years of marriage.
Willa was a devout member of All Saints Church in Gladstone where she also taught CCD for many years. She looked forward to her neighborhood coffee club get together every month and will be deeply missed by all.
Survivors include:
Sons: Peter (Bonnie) DeMay, Dan (Joan) DeMay,
Richard “Buckeye” (Rebecca) DeMay, Bill (Karen) DeMay
Dave DeMay and Bob (Erin) DeMay
Daughters: Cathy (Harold) Flagstadt, Joy (Gregg) LaFave,
Nancy (Mike) Boyer, Mary (Paul) DeBenedittis and
Teresa (Don) Kuehl
Brother: Charles (Carol) Lundmark
Brother in law: Joe (Phyllis) DeMay
Sisters in law: Teresa (Floyd) Swift, Louise Kenyon, Felicia Berman, Jeanne DeMay and Carmen DeMay
Willa is further survived by her 28 grandchildren, 41 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to her parents, Herb and Nettie and her husband Peter, Willa was preceded in death by:
Brother: John (Joy) Lundmark
Grandson: Peter Francis Flagstadt
Nephew: Paul DeMay
Daughter in law: Lisa DeMay
Son in law: Gregg B. Johnson
Brothers in law: Rial Kenyon, Don Berman, John DeMay, Henry DeMay and James Kennedy
Willa’s family will receive friends on Tuesday, from 1:00PM to 5:00PM, at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Mass of Christian Burial will follow visiting hours, at 5:30PM on Tuesday, at All Saints Church in Gladstone, with Rev. Fr. Jamie Ziminski officiating. Luncheon will follow in the All Saints Parish Hall. Willa will be laid to rest next to her loving husband Pete in the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting with arrangements. Willa’s family would like to extend a special thanks to the following for their exceptional care; the staff at Cedar Hill Assisted Living, OSF Hospice, Dr. Jaylene Iverson and the ladies at Clip Art.
Danielle Gestwicki - Escanaba , MI
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Pat and Becky Quinn - Gladstone, MI
Condolences to the DeMay family. Rest in peace!
Janis Asti - Johnsonburg, PA
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Love from all of us,
Janis and Denny
Troy, Meghann and Kole
Erin, Mike, Caitlyn and Chelsea
Betsy Gasperich - Richton Park, IL
To the Demay family:
So sorry for your loss! My love, prayerful hugs and healing energies to Willa in her transition and to the family during their grieving time. I knew Pete, Willa and Felicia through All Saints! Of course being a Buckeye kid I knew where the Demay homestead was! Felicia was a class mate of my sister, Barbara Gasperich! I knew Felicia in the community!
For your comfort: Remember, “ there is no death, only a change of worlds” Chief Seattle
Sincerely,
Betsy Gasperich
cindy mitchell - gladstone, MI
Willa was a staple of the Moonshine Vally Community. Family for sure. Unselfish, caring, loving Mom. She will be missed by so many. God bless.
Nancy Buchholz - Farwell, Mi
Our sympathy and prayers are with you all at this time. Carl and Nancy Buchholz, Shaun Range’s aunt and uncle
Vicki and Dave Rattray - gladstone, Mi
She was a very special lady, mom to a lot of people, she will be truly missed by her family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the DeMay family.
Roger and Bonnie Pepin - Gladstone, Mi
Have known Willa as long as I have lived in Gladstone through All Saints Church. We both taught ccd at the same time. She was just a sweetheart. Always had a smile on her face.(Loved your Dad too. Wonderful examples of what a Christian should be. She will be remembered and missed.
Linda Sargent - Saranac,, Mi
So sorry Joy and Greg and Nancy ,
Kathy & Bill Elliott - Gladstone, Mi
Joy and family. So sorry to hear of your mothers passing. She will be reunited with your dad now with no more suffering. Take care . you are in our thoughts and prayers .
Janet Smith - Gwinn, MI
The Demay Family,
I am sorry to read of the passing of your mom. She was an amazing woman who touch so many people. I was in club with her for a few years. The North 17th gang became my family. You mom got Penny one day and took her to your house. I ran Rose to the store and was not there when the bus came. Thought and prays to all of you!
Jan and Penny
Lynn Larsen - Rapid River, MI
Sympathy to the DeMay family. Willa was a longtime friend of my mother Lillian Bjurman. I always looked forward to “Club night” when at our house. The ladies of North 17th street were always entertaining.