Submitted by: Dan Rich

 

Rev. William Demers CSC

? – Dec. 26, 1896

 

South Bend Tribune 10/26/1896

Another pioneer of the colony of Notre Dame has been called to eternal rest. Rev. Father William Demers CSC died at St. Joseph Hospital. Death was caused by a large cancerous growth on the back of his neck at the base of the brain. He had been a sufferer for a long time this trouble being augmented by severe rheumatism which had crippled him greatly and made him unable to scarcely leave his room for the past few years nor had he been able to visit Notre Dame for a long time.

 

Father Demers was of the best liked priests who ever lived at Notre Dame. He was jolly and a good story teller so that his company was at all times a pleasure priests and other friends. Father Demers was born at St. Nicholas, Quebec, Canada, Jan. 10. He entered the community in the Catholic province of Canada in 1964 and on Aug. 25, 1865, made a profession of faith. He at one time was pastor of St. Joseph Church, this city. He came to Notre Dame about 25 years ago.

 

The funeral will take place at 6 o’clock tomorrow morning from the Church of the Sacred Heart. Interment in the community cemetery.