DEMERLING, Fay

Esther Fay (Wright) Demerling of Clifford passed away on Sunday, June 7, 2026, in her 91st year. Wife of the late Walter Demerling. Mother of Nancy & Randy Seip of Clifford, and Andrew & Adrienne Demerling of Bracebridge, and mother-in-law of Mary Demerling of Gravenhurst. Grandmother of Andrew & Brittany Keith, Jonathan & Susan Seip, Elizabeth & Justin Howatt, Josh Demerling, and Jeremy Demerling, and remembered also by her eight great-grandchildren. Sister of Glenna Francis of Maple Ridge, BC, Murray & Dorothy Wright of Bancroft, Howie & Judy Wright of London, and Shelley & Ross Weber of Mildmay. Sister-in-law of Jim & June Demerling of Mitchell, Audrey Tozer of New Brunswick, and Bill & Bev Demerling of Elmira. Predeceased by her son David Demerling, her parents Harvey & Marie Wright, brother Owen Wright & wife Kim, and sister-in-law and brothers-in-law Harold Francis, Robert Tozer, and Greta & Robert Harkness. sther Fay Wright was born on October 15, 1935 in Turnberry Township, the first child to Harvey and Marie (Mines) Wright. She moved to Howick Township, Concession 14, as a young child on the horsedrawn hay wagon with all the family’s household possessions. Fay lived at the farm with her parents and 5 siblings, attended school at No. 1 Howick, and completed her studies at F. E. Madill in Wingham. At the age of 14, she met this young man who came to the farm to help install hydro service, and over the years, Walter became very important to her. At the age of 18, she ventured off to nursing school at Stratford General Hospital, making many new and lasting friendships. She graduated as a Registered Nurse on June 6, 1956 and worked at Wingham & District Hospital in the operating room for 2 years. On September 6, 1958 she wed her sweetheart Walter at MacIntosh United Church and settled down to life on the farm on Huron County Road 30 where they raised 3 children, David, Nancy and Andy. In 1976 the family moved to the Bracebridge area but Fay and Walter moved back to the Lakelet area to familiar surroundings and family just a few years later. She tried her hand at running a small convenience store at their residence in Lakelet much to the delight of campers and children in the area as she stocked a good supply of gummy candies. Fay had many interests throughout her life, Church clubs, girl guides, camping, boy scouts and in later years she was involved with the Walkerton Hospital Auxiliary for 20 years. Fay also enjoyed sewing, knitting and quilting with the women’s church group. She found a source of joy with her grandchildren and later in life with her great-grandchildren, still able to get down on the floor and play with blocks or colour with them. Her favourite activity in later years was attending a coffee group at Tim Hortons with Walter and enjoying retired life. Visitation was held at the Hardy-Lee Funeral Home, Harriston, on Wednesday, from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00pm. The funeral service will be held at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Clifford on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 11:00am. The service will be livestreamed and the link available on the funeral home website. Interment in Trinity Howick Lutheran Cemetery, Howick Township. Memorial donations to St. John’s Lutheran Church, Clifford, or the Lutheran Hour would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.hardyleefuneralhome.com