Carol Ann Tekla Marie Demming

She is finally home. Carol Ann Tekla Marie Demming accepted the warmest embrace from our Lord on December 26, 2022. She is survived by her soul mate and wife of almost 33 years Teresa, and two beautiful, loving children Millie (Carmela) and Dominick.

Carol and Teresa shared a deep love and appreciation for their Catholic beliefs. Throughout their lives together, they always found peace and solace in their relationships with their parish families. Together they decided that since family and loved ones are spread far and wide, they would not hold a single, formal memorial service. Their ashes will ultimately be joined together and scattered in the Pacific Ocean for their eternal rest. Instead, it is their hearts' desire that anyone who wants to share a prayer, memory, thought or anecdote will do so by contributing to the guest book. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests consideration of a donation in memory of Carol to Holy Name of Mary School in San Dimas. Since they first met with then principal, Candis Kuzmickas and then Pastor, Father Rich Danyluk, the Demming family has been a beneficiary of indescribable life-giving benevolence, love, faith and support for which they are infinitely grateful.  

Holy Name of Mary School

124 S. San Dimas Canyon Road
San Dimas, CA 91773
School Phone: (909) 542-0449
Fax Number: (909) 592-3884
Email: Principal@hnmschool.org
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If you would prefer to give online, please use the HNM Parish Link and SPECIFY in the NOTES that your contribution in Carol Demming’s memory should be directed to the school.

Carol was born January 20, 1952, in Glendale, California. Notoriously late, she just missed the bobby soxers and the hippies but managed to absorb both via osmosis from her sisters, Lorraine and Cathy who taught her how to dance, how to dress and how to love music. Baby brother Joey (Karl) supplied the requisite toy soldiers, cars, skateboards and street brawls to round out a beautifully diverse personality.

Carol did so much great work in her lifetime. She owned 2 beauty salons at a very young age. She became a systems analyst and contributed to such high-profile projects as the Stealth Bomber and Hercules transport planes. She ran businesses and projects whether that was her 'official role', or she just happened to be in the room … But her most important role was always people. Carol was the person that you knew had entered a space - not because she made an entrance but because her love and light - the glow of her being could fill the darkest hour. 

The earthly world has lost an advocate of spirit and grace. As Carol entered the final phase of her earthly life, people gathered to express their gratitude for her contribution to their lives -

"She was the only person that ever told me I could be anything I wanted to be - that I could be my own success story - and without hesitation, I believed her'.

"Carol always made me believe in myself and helped me be my best self - never preachy or condescending - she was the real deal - authentic".

"You could always talk to Carol - and know that she really listened. Whatever advice she gave was uplifting and positive. You just felt like she heard you - and you mattered. She was the best friend you ever had - or never had"

"You loved Carol immediately. Whether you knew her for a minute or an hour or a lifetime. Whether you talked to her every day, every week or every decade was irrelevant because when you engaged, she engaged, and it was magic."

Millie said in a final note that she is taking comfort knowing that, even though her mom is no longer physically available, she is looking down and guiding and protecting her from above. Most of all, she said she will miss her mom’s infections smile - and, like so many others remembers that her mom lit up a room - that no matter where they went, there wasn't anyone that didn’t want to be her friend. Millie knows her mom was loved and will be missed by so many - but she will always be her Mama's baby girl and will love her forever with all her heart.

Dominick shared that his mom was his rock, the music in his life. Even though they didn’t always see eye to eye, he always knew he had her full support. And even though she is gone, he knows she is his angel, watching over him and his family. The loss, he says, has instilled in him a new drive to do better and be better. He described Carol as a fighter, a dancer, his best friend. He wants his mom to fly high in a world of new peace and for her to know that he loves her with everything he's got.   

Teresa is heartbroken beyond words. Carol was the love of her life, her partner, her best friend, her soulmate for almost 35 years. She cherishes every single moment they shared on their journey together as lovers, partners, parents and friends. She is eternally grateful that she was able to be with Carol when she finally let go of her earthbound presence and slipped peacefully into the embrace of God. 

In prayerful gratitude – the Demming Family.