|
The Demers Family Of Lynn, Ma.
Peter Demers married my mother after both their spouses had passed away. When Pete and
my mother came to visit my family in Washington, D.C. my wife, Charlotte, and I took them sightseeing to the Tomb Of The Unknown
Soldier in Arlington, Va. It was here that he told us about his only child, George, being killed in Tokyo Bay. I promised
Pete I would research to find any material about his son. Pete didn't know much about how George had died other than
the B-29 on which he was a gunner was shot down in Tokyo Bay.
I fulfilled my promise to Pete with the book, "Z Square 7, A B-29 True Story!" I only wish he hadn't
passed away before it was done. Funny though how sometimes I felt a presence over my shoulder as I worked on the book
or as I work on this website.
|
|
| George Demers with his parents. |
Charlotte Demers Fiasconaro, George's first cousin, grew up with George in Lynn, Ma. She tells how
George's mother, Lillian, never forgave herself for signing him into the Army Air Corps when, being an only child, he was
exempt from military service.
Charlotte was the leader instrumental in having her cousin, George, recognized
forever in his hometown of Lynn, Ma. She worked tirelessly that George's memory, his service and sacrifice, never
be forgotten. She was a true patriot.
|
|
| Charlotte (Demers) Fiasconaro |
Charlotte (Demers) Fiasconaro
BEVERLY — Charlotte (Demers) Fiasconaro, age 81, of Beverly, formerly
of Lynn, passed away Wednesday November 24, 2010 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House following a lengthy illness. Born and
raised in Lynn, and a resident of Beverly for seven months, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Dorothy (Woods) Demers.
Prior
to her retirement, Charlotte was employed at General Electric as a tool crib attendant. She enjoyed reading, cooking, spending
summers in Maine at the campground for many years, and gardening. She had a “green thumb” and cared for any plant,
no matter it‘s condition. She also loved animals, including her dog Domino, and most important, time with her family.
Charlotte
is survived by her children, George and Elaine Fiasconaro of Georgetown, Dorothy and Rick Phillips of Ipswich, Deb and Larry
DeFilippo of Lynn, Barb and John Minchello of Lynn, Catherine Fiasconaro of RI, 11 grandchildren, several great grandchildren,
and nieces and nephews. She was the mother of the late Paul Fiasconaro.
Service Information: Funeral from the Goodrich
Funeral Home 128 Washington Sat., Lynn, on Monday at 10 a.m., followed by a funeral mass in Sacred Heart Church, Boston St.,
Lynn, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at a later date.
Visitation is Sunday, 4-8 p.m. For those desiring, memorials may
be made to the Hospice of the North Shore, or to the NorthEast Animal Shelter.
Eulogy written
by her daughter, Dottie Phillips
Our Mom was a very
brave, strong woman who overcame many obstacles in her life and who loved her family and friends dearly. She was on her own at the age of 13. The oldest of five children
and she outlived all of them.
She was a great Mom
who taught us to work hard and be responsible. We grew up in the day when you
didn’t negotiate with your parents. At the risk of sounding old, “in
my day” when you asked why you had to do something -- you were told “Because I said so!” Her children were everything to her and she stood by us. I
remember witnessing her anguish when our brother George was serving in Vietnam and reported as missing in action. She contacted many politicians to help find him and could not rest until he was found…..badly wounded
but alive.
Then there was our
brother Paul, who was the perpetual class clown and often brought home stray animals for her to care for – she was there
for him as he tried to battle his addictions and was broken-hearted when he passed away last November.
I was born prematurely
and not expected to survive. The hospital staff told her that it would be better
if she didn’t see me. She told me that after begging, the nuns brought
her in to me.
She would comfort
Debbie when she often suffered from ear aches and hold Barbara who needed extra care because of severe asthma.
Cathy, had to live
with our grandparents when she was a baby because Mom could not pick her up due to back surgery. She waited for the day Cathy could walk and explained to me that then she would be able to hold onto
Cathy’s hand and have her step on a chair then onto a surface that would allow her to reach without bending.
As we
grew older she understood our strengths and weaknesses and loved us for who we were.
She loved and held all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren close to her heart.
Of all the wonderful
things about our Mom, what always amazed me was her ability to make and keep friends.
Some friends she has had for over fifty years. Over the years many of
her friends passed away, however, she always found new ones. She especially enjoyed
her many years and the people at her home away from home while camping in Maine. Her gift of accepting everyone and not being
judgmental made people feel very comfortable with her.
As brave and strong
as she was, she understood acceptance of the things you cannot change in life. When
she knew the end of her life was approaching, she was able to embrace and be comfortable with it. With the help of many people especially Jean, who we love and pray for, we will be forever thankful for
the love shown to our Mom.
She passed into God’s
heavenly kingdom where our brother Paul waited for her. She is content and at
peace.
|
