Phyllis A. DeMars passed away at home on February 23, 2022, after living courageously with cancer for over a decade. She grew up in Grosse Pointe Woods, attended Our Lady Star of the Sea, and graduated from Grosse Pointe North High School in 1973. She furthered her education at Wayne State University where she received a Bachelor of Science in special education. She married our fellow classmate, Gregory DeMars, in 1980 and together they raised 3 children in Grosse Pointe.

Phyllis was an exceptional teacher, focusing on early reading intervention and learning disabilities. She initially taught at Our Lady Queen of Peace and then at Our Lady Star of the Sea for over 20 years. During this time, she founded the Enrichment Center, which helped many children achieve academic success and served as a model for local schools to develop similar programs. Phyllis was an accomplished artist who produced many oil paintings, along with playing the piano and organ.

She was committed to leaving this world and community a better place. She and her Greg started The DeMars Family Endowment Against Human Trafficking and The DeMars Family Endowed Scholarship for Regina High School Students. She was a long-time board member of the Fontbonne Auxiliary of St. John Hospital, a docent at the Solanus Casey Center and the Detroit Historical Society, and previously on the boards at the Italian American Cultural Society and the Northeast Guidance Center for mental health services.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/grosse-pointe-woods-mi/phyllis-demars-10599861