Submitted by: Dan Rich
? – Dec. 26, 1896
South Bend Tribune 10/26/1896
Another pioneer of the colony of Notre Dame has been called to
eternal rest. Rev. Father William Demers CSC died at St. Joseph
Hospital. Death was caused by a large cancerous growth on the
back of his neck at the base of the brain. He had been a sufferer
for a long time this trouble being augmented by severe rheumatism
which had crippled him greatly and made him unable to scarcely
leave his room for the past few years nor had he been able to
visit Notre Dame for a long time.
Father Demers was of the best liked priests who ever lived at
Notre Dame. He was jolly and a good story teller so that his
company was at all times a pleasure priests and other friends.
Father Demers was born at St. Nicholas, Quebec, Canada, Jan. 10.
He entered the community in the Catholic province of Canada in
1964 and on Aug. 25, 1865, made a profession of faith. He at one
time was pastor of St. Joseph Church, this city. He came to Notre
Dame about 25 years ago.
The funeral will take place at 6 o’clock tomorrow morning from the Church of the Sacred Heart. Interment in the community cemetery.