1917 – 2003

BERLIN – Rose B. (Laroche) Demers, 86, of 5 Second St. in Berlin, N.H., passed away Friday evening, May 16, at her home surrounded by her family and friends following a brief illness. She was born in Berlin, N.H., on Jan. 8, 1917, the daughter of Alphonse and Angeline Martineau Laroche.

A lifelong resident of Berlin, Demers was a member of St. Anne of Good Shepherd Parish, the Ladies of St. Anne, the Golden Age Club, M.E.S.H., and a member of the former Joliette Snowshoe Club. Prior to her retirement in 1994, she was the owner and operator of One-Hour Martinizing, now known as Demers Dry Cleaners.

A Gold Star Mother, Demers and her family were recently honored by the regional U.S. Marine detachment by naming the unit in memory of her son, Marine Corporal Richard Demers, who died in the Vietnam War. A loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and family person, she will be greatly missed by those who knew her.

She is predeceased by her husband, George Demers, who died May 15, 1969, her son, Marine Corporal Richard Demers, who died Oct. 16, 1967, and six brothers and one sister.

She is survived by four sons: Robert Demers and wife Suzanne of Gorham, N.H., George Demers Jr. and wife Lise of Berlin, N.H., Raymond Demers and Diane of Gorham, N.H., and Leo Demers of Boston, Mass. In addition, three daughters: Jeannette Bisson and husband Rene of Berlin, N.H., Pauline Ayotte and husband Paul of Milan, N.H., and Lorraine Chapin and husband Tim of Berlin, N.H.

She is also survived by 22 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, brother Desire Laroche of Berlin, N.H., sister Yvonne Lachance of Berlin, N.H., and several nieces and nephews. Other relatives include Louise Demers and Barbara Demers, and she leaves behind two close friends, Rose Cote and Annette Landry.