Lorraine I. DeMars

Lori was born on June 6, 1932 to Norman Tebear and Irene (Gardner) Collins-Myers. She was raised as a daughter by loving grandparents William and Lillian Gardner. Lori was united in marriage to Richard “Bun” DeMars on October 22, 1955 and together they shared many wonderful years until his passing on March 5, 2011. Lori worked for several years at the district court office and also as office manager for Dr. Robert Ryde and later Dr. Paul Gayeff. She enjoyed volunteering her time at the St. Vincent de Paul client office, and was a devoted parishioner of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Escanaba.

Lori is survived by niece Debbie (Greg) Curran and their children Jamie, Brian and Joe; niece Sara (Brad) Trombley and their children Owen, Addie and Emma; niece Becky (Todd) Dubord and their children Sara and Krista; step-daughter Kim (Bruce) Groleau and their children Blake and Brady; half brother Charles “Chuck” Collins; and best friends Jean Norden and Sally Briggs.

Lori was preceded in death by her husband Bun DeMars; parents; grandparents; brother Lester Gardner; sisters Mabel Breitenbach and Sister Cordel Gardner; half sister Barbara Collins-White; half brother Tom Collins; niece Yvonne Gardner; and special friend John “Jack” Chown.

The family would like to extend a thank you to the station three staff at Bishop Noa Home for the excellent care they took of Lori over the last six weeks.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lori’s name to the Delta County Animal Shelter or St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Mass of Christian Burial honoring Lori will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Escanaba with Rev. Fr. Rick Courier officiating. A luncheon will follow in the parish hall. Lori will be laid to rest in Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the DeMars family.