Lisa Lynne Demaree

Born April 6, 1963, in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Died December 19, 2011, in New York, New York. She is survived by her parents Joan and Jim Demaree of Orleans, Massachusetts, her sister Leslie Goldsmith (husband: Eddy) of Ellicott City, Maryland, her brother Marc Demaree (wife: Jennifer) of Arlington, Massachusetts, her fiancé Bill Steele of Bayside, New York, four nieces and nephews (Marisa and Ben Goldsmith, Ellie and Kate Demaree), her aunt Karen Mathews of San Antonio, Texas, uncle John Mathews (wife: Marta) of Ogden, Utah, and her dog Whiskey.

She attended Joel Barlow High School of Redding, Connecticut, graduated from Clarkston High School of Clarkston, Michigan, and from Miami University of Oxford, Ohio with a semester abroad at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark. She earned her master's degree from Teachers' College, Columbia University in New York City. She spent three years in the Peace Corps in Senegal, Africa, living in a grass hut and speaking Wolof, where her big blue eyes and strawberry blond hair were unique features.

She loved her books, the New York Times and New York Times crossword puzzle, history, blue iris flowers, and her cowboy boots. But most important to her were Bill, her family, her friend Laura and her dog Whiskey. She was a faithful fan of the Cleveland Browns. One of her favorite spots was the Mark Twain Library in Redding, Connecticut. She had charm, a quick wit, and a very big heart. She will be greatly missed by the many people who love her.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Lisa's memory to the Mark Twain Library either online at www.marktwainlibrary.org or by mail at Mark Twain Library, PO BOX 1009, Redding, CT 06875.