Virginia M. (Rider) Demeester

Virginia Mae DeMeester, age 96, formerly of Mishawaka, passed away November 2, 2022, in Carmel, Indiana.  She had resided in the Indianapolis area for the last ten years to be near her family. Virginia was born March 21, 1926, in Mishawaka, Indiana to the late Lester and Olive (Fries) Rider. She was a graduate of Mishawaka High School, class of 1944.  On May 22, 1949, she married James DeMeester. They celebrated 41 years of marriage before James’ passing on January 4, 1991.

Surviving are her children Gary DeMeester and his wife Debbie of Carmel, Indiana and Gayle Szmurlo of Indianapolis. Surviving as well are her granddaughters Stephanie Tennessen and her husband Steve and Kimberly DeMeester-Kutylo and her husband Andrew, along with her great granddaughters Madeline and Violet Tennessen.  Her son-in-law, Roger Szmurlo preceded her in death.

Visitation will be held two hours prior to the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Saturday, November 12, 2022 at Goethals and Wells Funeral Home in Mishawaka with interment to follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola.

Virginia was a homemaker and loved being a wife, mother and grandmother to her family. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading and sewing.  She also volunteered her time with the Mishawaka High School Alumni Association.

In her memory, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. To light a virtual candle, share a story of Virginia’s life, or leave a message of comfort for her family, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall tab above.