Service Details
A Private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Edward’s Catholic Church. To view Mary’s service via live stream please click the link https://youtu.be/cvVFLnxmOqE
Interment with military honors will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park. A special note of thanks to Hospice Alliance for their special, loving end-of-life care that was so warmly extended to Mary, special thanks to Jackie and Julie.
Memorial Suggestions
Donations to Hospice Alliance in honor of Mary are greatly appreciated.
Mary I. Demet, age 96 of Racine passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on Wednesday, December 16, 2020.
She was born on February 20, 1924 in Racine the daughter of the late Mark and Helen (nee: Wald) Vidakovic, grew up in Racine and graduated from St. Catherine’s High School. Mary joined the Women’s Army Corps during WWII and proudly served her country for twenty-one months. After the war, she attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison for two years, then married Homer Demet on June 7, 1949. Homer and Mary resided in Racine and raised five children. Homer preceded her in death on Nov. 6, 2004.
After Mary raised her family, whom she deeply cherished, she ventured back into the work world and was happy to work for Twin Disc Corp. in Racine for over twenty years, most of those years serving as personal secretary to Mike Batten, then president. She formed special friendships with her female colleagues who became her lifelong friends, along with her lifelong friend of seventy-two years, Violet Pedersen.
Mary had always dreamed of being a missionary educator, so when the opportunity arose in the 90s, she tutored two refugee children from Croatia. This experience profoundly impacted her and demonstrated her deep love for those in her community.
Mary was a longtime, faithful member of St. Edwards Catholic Church, serving as a eucharistic minister for decades and participating in all types of fundraisers.
Survivors include her beloved children; Mark (Kathy) Demet, Jeffrey (Marcy) Demet , Mary Kay (Rev. Richard III) Richardson, Greg (Dawn) Demet, and Paul (Lisa) Demet; her grandchildren; Jackson, Logan, Andrea, Dana, Tony, Dave, Leah, Christopher, Stephen, Colby, Jason, Jon, Joel, Tara, Elisa, Steven, Paul, Randi and thirteen great grandchildren. Along with her parents and husband, Mary was preceded in death by her two sisters, Elinore Covelli, Helen Shaw and several beloved in-laws and friends.
Nancy Petroske says
Mary was such a sweet person like a mother to me since mine passed. Always upbeat and looking forward to the future. God bless her and her family. She is now an angel in heaven with her husband.
Dean Dillonaire says
My deepest sympathies to all my extended family. I’m grateful I was able to spend time with my ‘second mom’ last year. I have so many fond memories of her, from all the times I visited each summer and also living there during my own moms illness. God bless her and her family, you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Ed and Maryann Richardson says
What a life of service to her Country, her family plus the Croatians. A true example to all of us. I wish I’d been able to meet her. Then I guess I did thru her daughter Mary Kay. Condolences to all who knew and loved her.
Mike, Mary Monday and Family says
Greg, Dawn and to the rest of the Demet Family
So sorry to here of Grandma Demet’s passing we remember her as a warm and friendly person. We will never forget all the birthday cakes she baked. She will be missed.
Sorry for your loss, our deepest regards.
Adela Osorio says
Rest In Peace 🙏
Is always so difficult to say a forever good bye.
My condolences to her Family.
Acuna Family says
Rest In Peace. My condolences to the whole family. She is in God’s hands.
Telman Family says
Sending our condolences to your family, and our deepest regards.
You are in our thoughts.
Liza C.Duran says
Suffering the loss of your dear mother may difficult, but by meditating on God’s promises found in the Bible, you can find real hope and the strength to keep going. “There is going to be a resurrection,” the Bible confirms this in Acts24:15.
My prayers are with you and your loved ones,
Liza C.Duran
Tony and Doris Demet and family says
Lost a great person in Aunt Mary. Will be missed. Best wishes for the family.
Sandy maticek rindt says
There was only one Mary Demet as well as one Hummie in my life they were my parents very best friends and very special to me all of my life Mary was the light of every party her humor was so special and her kindness outstanding.. I know that she is being greeted with open arms by Joe and Kay maticek in heaven. She is missed and loved.
Jim Lundgren says
So thankful for Mary and for the impact of her life on so many! I only met her a few times but she was always welcoming and gracious in every way. May our Lord bless and keep her family in every way in the days ahead.
Janet (Fawver) Horak says
My sincere sympathy to the family of Mary. So many fond memories.
David Fawver says
I remember your mother fondly while growing up in the neighborhood.
Jean Hansen says
Sorry to hear about your Paul and the Demet family. My thoughts are with you
Donna Mandel says
I am holding you all in my heart and mind and wishing you peace.
Joan (Fawver) Lackey says
My deepest sympathies to Mark, Jeff, Mary Kay, Greg, and Paul (and families). I have so many memories of your mom while growing up and also working with her at Twin Disc. She truly was an inspiration to all who knew her. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.