Jan. 18, 1927 -- Aug. 7, 2003

Mary Ann "Mike" Demske, 76, of Mishawaka, Ind., passed away Thursday, Aug. 7, in Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka.

She was born in Mishawaka to Gerald U. and Marian (Dubala) Michels and grew up in Mishawaka, where she graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1944.

On Aug. 30, 1947, she was united in marriage to Raymond Demske and they made their home in Mishawaka. Mary Ann was a beautician until starting a family and then she was a homemaker. She was a longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mishawaka, and at one time was a member of the Rosary Society and Daughters of Isabella at the church. Mary Ann also belonged to St. Joseph County Right to Life, AARP and the Mishawaka Firemen's Auxiliary. A favorite pastime was reading. For many years, Mary Ann and Ray spent time in the summer at their cottage at Christie Lake, Decatur, Mich.

Her family includes her husband of 55 years, Raymond Demske; two daughters, Judy Kay (Chuck) Bare of Frederick, Md., and Nancy Rae Demske of South Bend, Ind.; a granddaughter, Elizabeth Marie Bare; a sister, Patricia A. Michels of Arlington, Wash., and a brother, Frank J. (Bertha) Michels of Mishawaka.

Friends may spend time with Mary Ann's family from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 10, in the Thallemer-Goethals Funeral Home, 503 W. Third St., Mishawaka, where the Rosary will be recited at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 11, in the St. Joseph Catholic Church, 225 S. Mill St., Mishawaka, with Rev. Fr. Robert Yast officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger, Ind.

Memorials in Mary Ann's name may be made to the Arthritis Foundation or Diabetes Association. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.