Judith Eko Demers found her peace on May 4th, 2024 at home in Longmont, Colorado after a five month battle with cancer. She was born on June 12, 1946 in Springfield, Vermont to William and Lillian (Vainio) Eko. Judy lived a carefree and happy childhood in Vermont and California with her older siblings Charles and Lisbeth. Little Jimmie was a later addition and she loved him deeply her whole life. She married the love of her life, Roger Demers, whom she met in middle school. They raised their two daughters, Kaarina and Kristi, in North Grafton, Massachusetts.
In Judy’s own words, she lived life “with happiness and stepping up to help.” Judy loved living in North Grafton and working at the town’s libraries and town hall as a clerk. She was most proud of her work with the Grafton Food Bank and St. Mary’s Parish.
She enjoyed her long-time neighbors on Brigham Hill, gardening, creating stained glass masterpieces, painting ceramics and making jewelry. Judy was an extremely creative person with a wicked sense of humor; she was an avid reader, active citizen and could be surprisingly stubborn. Always up for an adventure, she was a blast to be around. Although Judy lived with several health problems in her last years, she still found time for the casinos of Colorado, Cape Cod, high tea, long walks and family road trips.
Judy leaves behind her husband of 56 years, Roger Demers, who is currently in home hospice care and her younger brother James Eko of Springfield, VT and favorite cousins Lillian Govoni and John Donahue. She is also survived by her two daughters: Kaarina Demers of Longmont, CO and Kristi Bathgate of Suffield, CT, as well as her son-in-law Jason Bathgate of Stafford Springs, CT and adopted son Michael Paradise of Mansfield, MO. Judy loved her three grandchildren wildly: Maya Demers of Longmont, CO, David Demers of Lynnwood, WA and Quinn Bathgate of Suffield, CT. She was especially proud of her 4 nieces: Melissa, Alison, Michelle and Nicole.
Awaiting Judy in Heaven are her parents, older siblings and best friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Grafton Food Bank or the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.6