Doris M. DeMars


Doris M. DeMars

Doris M. DeMars

MANISTIQUE – Heaven greeted a beautiful soul, when Doris Marilyn DeMars, 91, passed away at her home on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019.

She was born on July 1, 1928, to Dutch immigrants Bert and Lizzie (Oosterom) Hulshof in Manistique, Mich. She was very proud of her heritage and shared many stories about the hardships her parents’ endured on their journey to, and while building their life in America. She grew up on West Elk Street, at the very end of Schoolcraft Avenue, where she shared many adventures with the neighborhood kids, including the nearby “40 Gang”. She spoke so fondly of the memories, and families involved in her young life. Part of her shenanigans included trading her bike for a horse, for which she had to promptly un trade; and her attempt at riding a pig in Cooks, for which that did not last too long either. She was donned the nickname “Dewbug” from her honorary grandma, Anna Cournaya, whom she adored. She graduated from Manistique High School with the class of 1947.

On Oct. 14, 1950, she married Rainey Edwin DeMars at the Zion Lutheran Church in Manistique. After, almost 64 years of marriage, Edwin passed away on May 19, 2014.

Her working career started in high school at Lauremans, a telephone operator before the dial phone came to town, and the longest job was at the Vogue dress shop, where the “Vogue Girls” donned their famous moo-moos on sidewalk sale days.

Doris always had a book in hand, which was her major favorite past time. Later in life, she enjoyed word search books. She loved to play cards, especially bridge. She was an excellent seamstress and passed down that talent to her daughters. She enjoyed mushroom hunting with her husband, which meant she stayed in the car with a book, blueberry picking, which meant she stayed in the car with a book, and also fishing, which meant she had a pole in one hand and a book in the other. After retirement, she and her husband enjoyed spending winters in Las Vegas, which lasted approximately 10 years. On their way home, they would take their time and explored many of the national parks and various sites in our beautiful country. She loved her dogs dearly and was looking forward to reuniting with them. Doris lived her life with positivity, generosity, understanding, and forgiveness. She was selfless beyond measure. She is known by her family as saying “Okey Doky”, “Everything is fine and dandy”, “What will be will be”, and last but not least, “You’re your own worst enemy”, which one child probably heard more than the others.

Doris is survived by her daughters, Diane (Louis) Kirt, Reedsburg, Wis. and Donna DeMars, (Bill) Manistique; sons, Terry (Joyce) DeMars, Patterson, Calif. and Thomas (Lori) DeMars, Peshtigo, Wis.; grandchildren, Kelli (William) Malloy, Matthew (Debra) Kirt, Jeffrey Kirt (Kayzia), and Miranda DeMars (Luke); greatgrandchildren, Cooper and Kassidy Malloy, David, Walker and Haidyn Kirt; along with several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, she is preceded in death by her brother, Henry Hulshof and her sister, Cleo Kotchon.

In honoring Doris’ wishes, there will be no service. Doris will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband in Lakeview Cemetery at Manistique.

Memorial donations may be directed to the Eva Burrell Animal Shelter, Manistique Senior Citizens Center or the Backpack Buddy Program at Zion Lutheran Church.

Fausett Family Funeral Homes of Manistique and Garden is assisting the family with arrangements. Family and friends may send condolences or share a memory at Fausettfh.com.

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