Mary Elizabeth Demeny
Mary Elizabeth Demeny, 82 years old of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on January 7, 2024. The oldest of nine children, she was born to Joseph and Lottie Kasper in Pulaski, WI on August 8, 1941. Growing up Mary loved school and music. In high school Mary played in the band, finished second in her class, was the editor of the bi-weekly Pulaski News her senior year and played the accordion in a polka band, She graduated from Pulaski High School in May 1959 and started, at what became to be known as the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, in September of that same year.
Mary’s first date with future husband Roger was in 1958 between Christmas and New Years Day. They attended the Winter Snow Ball dance in Pulaski and knew almost immediately they were meant for each other. They wed on August 20, 1960. Mary loved with all her heart her husband of 63 years. They were true partners who agreed on every major decision of their life together.
Mary left school after the spring of 1961 as the young couple started their family. Roger and Mary had five children in six years starting in August 1961. Roger took a job with IBM in 1965 and the young family moved to Texas in December of that year to support the space program.
A wonderful wife and mother, as a housewife Mary was dedicated to her husband and family. Team mother for sports teams, driver to events of all kinds, cook, baker, neighborhood leader and dedicated parishioner of the Catholic Church, she kept the balls of the family juggled at all times. She even survived four teenagers in high school at the same time. Over the years, aromas of fresh baked bread, treats for the grandchildren or holiday feasts were things for which she can be remembered. How she loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Famous for baking for the neighborhood children, the backdoor was always open for the kids to get to goodies from Miss Mary and Mr. Roger.
Education was important to Mary. She attended the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay for a time after the family moved to Pulaski after Roger’s graduation from college. After her oldest said to her “Mom you don’t play with me anymore,” she left school to focus on her family but promised herself she would get her degree. After the children finished high school, she went back to college. She attended classes at San Jacinto Junior College, Alvin Community College and, once enough credits were earned, attended the University of Houston – Clear Lake. She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1995.
An active gardener her entire life, Mary attained her Master Gardener certification in 2002 and became Master Gardener Emeritus in 2022. She gave gardening talks in many communities over the years including League City, Friendswood, Galveston, Pasadena, Texas City, LaPorte and Houston. She and Roger were known for donating the spoils of the garden with neighbors, friends, family and the less fortunate.
Mary never met a stranger. She loved meeting new people and helping those in need. She and Roger were advocates for the homeless of Houston. For over 15 years they took food to the homeless of downtown Houston. For many years they made sandwiches for an organization called “Food Not Bombs” that delivered food to the homeless. They donated their time, talent and treasure to many different individuals and organizations over the years.
Mary loved her Catholic Christian family of St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Houston, TX. An active member for over 46 years in many aspects of parish life. She loved her parish family and friends and most recently she was the leader of a senior ladies bible study class.
Mary was preceded in death by her father Joseph Kasper, mother Lottie Kasper and sister Joanne Jarvis.
Mary is survived by her large family of husband Roger Demeny; children, Jeffrey Demeny, Sandpoint, ID, Celine Norris (Rick), Crosby, TX, Deborah Almendares, McKinney, TX, Gregory Demeny (Letty), Nederland, TX and Megan Bayne (Randy), Dickinson, TX; siblings Michael Kasper (Mary) Pulaski, WI, Paul Kasper (Judy) Pulaski, WI, Kathy McLean (Eric), Wausaukee, WI, Rosie Athey (Ray), Conover, WI, Donald Kasper (Brenda) Green Bay, WI, Bernadette Goodine , Baraboo, WI, Germaine Lasecki (Dale), Sobieski, WI; ninetteen grandchildren, Whitney Spraggins (Curtis), Taylor Sethna (James), Joseph Villemarette (Haley Druian), Christine Bealer (Jared), Philip Almendares (Payton), Stephen Almendares (Jacqueline), Michael Almendares (Elizabeth), Matthew Almendares, Andrew Almendares (Kay Lee), Gregory Logan Demeny (Hillary), Samuel Demeny, Caleb Demeny, Shayne Leblanc-Demeny (Aren Leblanc), Lindsay Nelson, Joshua Conard, Sierra Morish (Shannon), Seth Morish (Angel), Courtney Brandon (Chad), Joshua Bayne (Sophia); 13 great-grandchildren, Carleigh Spraggins, Cade Spraggins, Jacob Villemarette, Rachel Villemarette, Oliver Bealer, Tucker Bealer, Milo Bealer, Parker Almendares, Haxtun Demeny, Emerald Conard, Madisyn Conard, Jacklyn Nelson, Jack Brandon, and Molly Brandon.
A public viewing for Mary will be held on Thursday, January 11, 2024 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Crowder Funeral Home 111 E. Medical Center Blvd Webster, TX 77598 with a rosary at 7:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, January 12, 2024 at 10:30 am at St. Bernadette Catholic Church 15500 El Camino Real Houston, TX 77062 with rosary prior to mass at 10:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation may do so to the American Heart Association or the charity of your choice.
Mrs. Demeny was the ultimate mother to everyone. We have known the Demeny’s from when they lived in Webster. When I first started working (and after moving to Pearland), she provided a bed to catch a nap between early morning work and when I would have class at UHCLC. She even made me supper so that I wouldn’t be hungry during class. I could always count on her hospitality, her fresh baked bread, and her Wisconsin accent.
Mary has taught me all that I know about gardening. It is a very good feeling when Mary complimented me on my garden and also called to compliment me on a table decoration. A compliment from Mary is one you long remember. She is admired by garden organizations across Harris and surrounding counties. It is a special day when we see Mary walk into our Gardeners By The Bay meeting. We love her so much.
It is a very good feeling when Mary complimented me on my garden and also a table decoration. A compliment from Mary is one you long remember. She is admired by garden organizations across Harris and surrounding counties. It is a special day when we see Mary walk into our Gardeners By The Bay meeting. We love her so much.
I joined Gardeners by the Bay to hear Mary each month and to see her yard.
It took almost 5 years to ever see her yard but worth the wait. Bonus was meeting her husband! I am going to miss her for sure. Taught me so much. Admired her for sure! Large loss to gardeners in area!
Mary, you are the ultimate gardener for all of us and we are so fortunate to have had you as a member of the gardeners by the bay garden club. I have loved you as a friend and will miss you so dearly. Mary And Roger were perfect partners and a blessing to each other. Mary, we will love you for always and honor your advice as we practice our gardening rules. Thank you.. you are planted in our ❤️ hearts!
Mary was joy to know and she will be missed by so many of us who loved her over the years
Mary Deminy will certainly be missed! She used and shared her remarkable talents wherever she went. Further she will be remembered for her positive attitude, always seeking peace. Her hobbies of gardening and bread making are spiritual in origin. She lived her Faith with the strength of her names, Mary and Elizabeth.
Mary and of course Roger, were often at our HUG (Houston Urban Gardeners) gatherings for many, many years. We could always count on her tomato bread with pimento cheese and wealth of gardening knowledge. She was always gracious, yet spunky – smart, but admitted she didn’t know everything and the room lit up when she walked in! Rest in Peace dear one.
Donna Yanowski and the HUG family
A great lady, who reminds me so much of my mother, when she talks about her garden. I will miss you.