Margaret Demarce

Margaret Alice DeMarce was born on May 7, 1932, the youngest and only daughter of James and Alice Meany Burke in Winona, Minnesota. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Winona. She grew up and attended school in Winona graduating from Winona High School. She attended St. Catherine’s University in St. Paul and earned a degree in Nursing. On April 12, 1958, Margie was united in marriage to Paul DeMarce by the Rev. Harold Dittman at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona, Minnesota. This union was blessed with over 54 years of marriage and six children. They made their home in Benson.

Margie worked as a registered nurse at St. Joseph Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota, for public health in Winona, and as a staff nurse at the Willmar State Hospital. She then became the administrator of Swift County Homes Inc., in Benson until her retirement. She was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church for over 64 years. She was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and served on the Swift County Benson Hospital Auxiliary Board. She was on the board of directors for Swift County DAC and on the board of directors for Swift County Homes Inc. She enjoyed her Monday Club, Bowling, Golfing, playing scrabble with friends, and reading. She loved spending time with her family and dogs. She was called from this life on Wednesday morning, November 16, at the Centra Care Therapy Suites in Willmar, Minnesota. She attained the age of 90 years, 6 months, and 9 days.

Margie is survived by two sons: Jack DeMarce of Benson and Timothy DeMarce of Park Rapids; four daughters: Alice DeMarce of Champlin, Nora (Bill) Simpson of Park Rapids, Viann DeMarce of Emigrant, MT, and Jane DeMarce of St. Paul; seven grandchildren: Christopher (Paige) Pugh, Kevin (Rachael Gruidl) Pugh, Kacie (Garrett) Flack, Eryn (Jon Picken) Simpson, Jill (Evan) Eriksmoen, Jeni (Ryan) Deering, and Sara Simpson; three great grandchildren, Shayne Pugh, Brittyn Pugh, and Axel Eriksmoen; two sisters-in-law, Mary Lou Morrow of Grand Rapids, Michigan and Vonnie Connolly of Lakeville; many nieces and nephews and other friends and relatives. She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Alice, her husband Paul, September 8, 2012, brothers Michael Burke, Timothy (Jeanne) Burke, Patrick (Vivian) Burke, sisters-in-law, Ann Connolly, and Joan DeMarce, and brothers-in-law Larry (Laurie) DeMarce, John Morrow, and Tom Connelly. Blessed be her memory.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, with a Rosary at 7:00 pm, on Friday, November 25, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Benson, and will continue on Saturday, November 26, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am. Interment will be in the St. Francis Catholic Cemetery. Following the interment a reception will be held at McKinney’s in Benson. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Centra Care Hospice, the Swift County Benson Hospital Auxiliary, or the Benson Library.