Maria (Sanders) Demare

Maria Demare

Maria Zulma Demare (nee Sanders) died peacefully at her home in Swan Lake, MB on April 3, 2023, at the age of 84 years.

Maria leaves to mourn her children Michael (Ethel), Angela (Donald De Koninck) and Gerry (Carolyn), thirteen grandchildren: Jennifer, Steven (Tierney), Alicia (Dan Yager), Sarah (Eric Bearden), Eric (Shayla), Theresa (Russell Legge), Robert De Koninck, Danielle (Alastair McKenty), Kristin (Sam Boyle), Geoffrey (Jessica), Meghan, Vanessa and Alexis, and fifteen great-grandchildren: Theo, Oliver, Emmett, Isla, Quinn, Remi, Addison, Margot, Arthur, Avery, Daphne, Mason, Lucy, Dorothy, and Remi. Also left to mourn are her siblings Leon Sanders (Elise), Andre Sanders (Evelyn), Godelieve (Roger Vanwynsberghe), Gaston Sanders (Judy), Gerard Sanders (Dorothy†), Marguerite (Gerard Raes), George Sanders (Sheila), sister-in-law Freeda Sanders (Michel†), Odiel Sanders (Margaret) and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Maria was predeceased by her husband Remi in August 2003, parents Maurice and Gerarda Sanders, brother Michel Sanders, sister-in-law Dorothy Sanders, niece Grace Griffith, mother-in-law Germaine Demare, brother-in-law Paul Demare, sister-in-law Doreen Demare and nephew David Demare.

Maria was born on April 10, 1938 in West Nieuw Kirche, Belgium. She immigrated to Canada with her family in July 1947, when she was nine years old. Her family settled in the Manitou area. 

Maria and Remi married on Oct. 18, 1958 in St. Leon, MB. They farmed the land settled by Remi’s father near Somerset and as a team, with hard work, common sense, and a strong faith and trust in God, expanded their hog and grain farm, eventually including their sons Michael and Gerry in the farm operation.  

Maria and Remi settled into the new home they built in Swan Lake in 1989. Maria always maintained an interest in farming even after retirement, operating a combine until she was 80 years old.

Maria’s legacy which she instilled in her family was her steadfast faith and trust in God which never waivered. Despite suffering during the last months of her life, she thanked God each night for the blessings she had throughout the day. Her servant heart was an inspiration to those who knew her.  She always thought of others before herself. Motivated by love, she fulfilled her roles as wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend.

The family would like to thank the MB Health palliative care team, the home care nurses and Freeda  Sanders for their care and support during Mom’s illness and all those who visited, phoned and prayed for Mom and the family during this difficult time.

Prayers will be held at Adam's Funeral Home on Monday, April 10, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. with Father Paulin Akpapupu officiating.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at the St. Martin of Tours Roman Catholic Church, in Swan Lake, Manitoba on Tuesday, April 11, 2023. Music and Rosary at 10:30 a.m. followed by Mass at 11:00 a.m. with Father Vincent Lusty celebrating and Father Paulin Akpapupu concelebrating. 

Adam’s Funeral Home of Notre Dame de Lourdes, Manitoba in care of arrangements.  Phone 204-248-2201.  To view the service details and leave condolences, please visit www.afh.ca

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