Bette Lou Demeria

Bette Lou Demeria

April 12, 1926 – February 10, 2026

With great love and a mix of sadness and smiles, we share the passing of our mother, Bette Demeria, on February 10, 2026 at the remarkable age of 99, (just 61 days short of 100). 

Born on April 12, 1926, in Duluth, Minnesota, to Ebba (Dahlstrom) and Alexander Shebetsky, Bette attended public schools in Duluth before meeting the love of her life, Gabe Demeria, at Cub Lajoy’s Rollerdome. They skated, danced, and fell in love — and on December 4, 1943, they were married. Together they shared nearly 70 wonderful years before Gabe’s passing in 2013.

Bette worked for many years as a proud member of the North MN–WI Retail Clerks Local, greeting customers in grocery stores throughout Duluth and Superior. People would often wait in her line just to see her — she always had a smile, a sparkle in her eye, and something witty to say. She had a way of connecting with people.

After retirement, Bette and Gabe split their time between summers in Solon Springs, Wisconsin, and winters in Seffner, Florida — truly living the best of both worlds. In 2018, she moved to Florida full-time and later to The Residence at Timber Pines, where she was affectionately known as “Bette Boop.” There may have been many Bettys there, but there was only one Bette Boop — always dressed to the nines with perfect hair and makeup, ready for a good time. She loved any excuse to celebrate and was never one to miss a party. She was the perfect combination of class and sass — graceful, confident, and always ready with a quick remark or playful grin.

Bette loved to stay busy and have fun. She bowled her way into the “600 league,” hit a hole-in-one on the 13th hole at Lester Park Golf Course, and never turned down a round of bingo, cards, or dice — especially when there was money on the line. She was fiercely competitive and didn’t just play to have fun — she played to win (and usually did)!

Bette is survived by her children: Kerry (Lori) of Brooksville, FL; Toni of Solon Springs, WI; and Loni of Spring Hill, FL; six grandchildren — Dana, Angell (Scott), Sheryl (Butch), Gene (Melanie), Tami (Larry), and Brian; twelve great-grandchildren — Nick, Alexis, Kristen, Scott Jr., Ashlee, Matt, Lexi, Samantha, Shana, Abby, Reece, and Penny; and five great-great-grandchildren — Rowan, Amora, Aria, Kinsley, and Evan. She is also survived by her special sister-in-law, Betty Petrovic.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Gabe, and sons-in-law Vern Charboneau and Paul Malknecht.

Bette had a gift for seeing the best in everyone. She lived a life filled with love, laughter, and the perfect accessories. Whether she was dressed up for a night out, gathering with friends for cards, or simply offering a kind word to a stranger, she brightened every room she entered.

Her family takes comfort knowing she and Gabe are together once again — probably dancing, laughing, and celebrating with everyone they’ve missed.

We would like to thank Southern Palms and their amazing staff for their very loving and attentive care of mom during her time there.  She truly loved them all.

Services pending in Spring Hill, FL for mid March, and in Solon Springs, WI in July.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.