Wendy Ann Demarest

Wendy Ann Demarest, age 69, of St. Joseph, Michigan, passed away on November 3, 2026, at her residence. She was born on November 5, 1956, in Niles, Michigan, and lived a life marked by kindness, devotion, and steady care for others. Wendy was a loving, kind, and selfless woman whose presence brought comfort and strength to her family, friends, and all who knew her.

Wendy was born to Frank and Marcella (Richards) Cole. She grew up in the Niles area and carried the values of hard work, compassion, and faith throughout her life. After graduating from Niles High School, she continued her education and earned her Licensed Practical Nurse certification (L.P.N.). Her calling to care for others became a defining part of her life, and she embraced that calling with patience, dignity, and grace.

On June 13, 1975, Wendy married Aaron Demarest in Berrien Springs, Michigan. Their marriage was built on love, commitment, and shared years of family life. She was preceded in death by her father and her husband, Aaron Demarest. Though these losses were deeply felt, Wendy remained a source of strength and encouragement to those around her, and her family will always remember the warmth she gave so freely.

Wendy owned and operated Gilead Elder Care in St. Joseph since 1976. Through her work, she cared for hundreds of patients and their families over the years, offering not only professional skill but also genuine compassion and reassurance. Her dedication to elder care reflected her generous spirit and her deep respect for the dignity of every person she served. She touched many lives through her work, and her influence will be remembered with gratitude by those whose lives were made better by her kindness.

She is survived by her mother, Marcella Nelson; her four children, Laurel (Francisco) Say of St. Joseph, John (Kelly) Demarest of Flagstaff, Arizona, Sylvia (Ernie) Castillo of Berrien Springs, and Summer (Marc) Beloy of Niles, Michigan. She also leaves behind nine grandchildren who brought her great joy, as well as special cousins, Holley (Gary) Frederick of Saxon, Mississippi, and Debbie Peshka of Niles. Wendy cherished her family deeply, and her love for them was evident in the care, encouragement, and devotion she gave throughout her life.

Wendy was a Christian, and her faith was an important part of who she was. She was a member of the Pioneer Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church at Andrews University in Berrien Springs. She found comfort and inspiration in gospel music, especially the music of Bill Gaither, and she enjoyed watching old television shows. She also loved spending time camping, particularly at Warren Dunes State Park, where she spent many hours on the beaches of Lake Michigan. These simple pleasures brought her happiness and peaceful moments that she treasured.

Memorial contributions may be made to Gilead Elder Care at 4790 Scottdale Road, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085.

A celebration of Wendy’s life will be help at Pioneer Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church-Youth Chapel on Sunday, November 22, 2026 at 11:00a.m. Wendy and Aaron will be interred at a private ceremony at Spring Run Cemetery in Scottdale.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Allred Funeral Home, Berrien Springs. www.AllredFuneralHome.com.

A life so faithfully lived leaves a lasting impression, and Wendy Ann Demarest will be deeply missed by all who loved her. Her memory will remain a blessing to her children, grandchildren, extended family, and all whose lives she touched through her work, her faith, and her caring heart.