Barbara Rae Demand

Barbara R. Demand died peacefully on August 14, 2022, in Fairfax, VA, at 84 years old in the company of her loved ones. Babs, as she was lovingly referred to by her family and friends, was born on September 24, 1937, in Indiana, Pennsylvania, to Raymond and Elizabeth Johnston and was the oldest of five children. After high school Babs courageously left home for Northern Virginia - blazing a trail for some of her siblings to follow - where she would work for Eastern Airlines and develop a love for travel. In 1962, at 25 years old, Babs married Paul Grafton, a Lieutenant in the United States Navy. Shortly after their wedding, Paul and Babs would be stationed in Texas and then later, California. Babs and Paul welcomed a son, Brian, in 1963. After a tragic training accident in 1964, Babs was left widowed with a baby on the way. She and Brian made their way back to Virginia. With the great support of her family and incredible resilience, Babs welcomed a daughter, Paula, into the world seven months later (1965). After a few years Babs and her children moved to Rhode Island where she would later meet the second love of her life, Daniel H. Demand, a United States Naval Officer. Dan and Babs were married in 1972, and Babs’ family grew by two more as she joyously welcomed Dan’s daughters, Jennifer and Lisa, into her life, her home, and her heart. Babs loved every aspect of being a Navy wife (especially the social events) and was the absolute pride and love of Danny’s life. After military relocations from Rhode Island to Florida, Dan and Babs would settle in Springfield, VA. As quilting was one of Babs’ greatest life passions, Babs could always be found in her sewing room or at one of her quilting groups surrounded by her closest friends. Many of Babs’ loved ones are blessed to have original creations to remember her by. In addition to quilting, Babs enjoyed crafting, playing bridge, golfing, reading, gardening, and taking long walks with her dearest friend, Jan. For over 20 years, Babs and Dan would spend their Monday evenings volunteering at Fairfax Hospital in the gift shop. Babs was famously known among the other volunteers for her baked goods she would bring to the hospital and share. Of the many things Dan and Babs loved to do together, they especially loved hosting family get-togethers. For many years, Dan and Babs spoiled their friends and family with homemade chocolates, fudge, and baked goods at Christmas. A devoted spouse and mother, Babs was the greatest cheerleader for her children and grandchildren – never leaving them to wonder their worth in her eyes. Greatly respected and admired, Babs was a caring, thoughtful, and positive woman who embodied the greatest amount of strength, courage, kindness, and commitment imaginable. Anyone who crossed paths with Babs was left a better person – forever touched by her warmth and love. Babs is preceded in death by her husband, Captain Daniel H. Demand, and her siblings: Jackie, Mike and Helen, as well as her granddaughter, Marlee Rae Treger. Babs will be greatly missed by her surviving children: Brian Grafton (Megan, Madalyn and Josh); Paula Treger (Steve and Drew); Jennifer Bauman (Pep, Lauren and Heather); and Lisa Demand. Babs had the great privilege of being called “Nana” to five grandchildren and three great grandchildren (Rylan, Tessa and Colton). Babs’ final resting place will be with her husband, Captain Demand, at Arlington National Cemetery (TBD). Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be sent in her name to the Wounded Warrior Project.