Jeanine E. Demers

SACO – Jeanine E. Demers, a beloved resident of Biddeford, passed away on Dec. 3, 2023.

She was born on Nov. 20, 1935, to Victor and Eledeanne (Pelletier) Beausoleil in Rumford. Jeanine graduated from St. Joseph High School in Biddeford in 1954 and went on to achieve a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Maine in Portland in 1980. She furthered her education by obtaining a master’s degree from the Boston College Graduate School of Social Work in 1984, all while raising seven children.

Throughout her life, Jeanine was devoted to volunteer work, dedicating 22 years to the YMCA and teaching Joint-in-Aqua to aid those with joint disorders since 1988. She was an active member of the 50-plus club and the Society of Ladies who Laugh Out Loud. Jeanine had a passion for various hobbies including crafts, needlework, painting, gardening, and traveling extensively to places such as Hawaii, Spain, Morocco, Mexico, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Canada, and the U.S. She had a profound love for books, particularly those focused on history and culture.

Professionally, Jeanine was a licensed social worker in Maine and held memberships in organizations like the Academy of Certified Social Workers and the National Association of Social Workers. She served on the board of Caring Unlimited, an agency aiding disadvantaged women in York County. Her career in social work spanned different roles in mental health facilities in New Hampshire and Maine, including positions in case management, crisis intervention, and psychotherapy.

Jeanine is survived by her children Diane Miller (Greg), Karen Juniperleaf (Richard Shapiro), Lynne Demers, Michael Demers, Keith Demers (Audrey), Kelly Demers, Kevin Demers (Tina); five grandchildren, Nathan Demers and wife Sara of Saco, Adam Sevigny and partner Molly Massa of Turner, Ashley Sevigny and husband Truong Nguyen of Biddeford, Lee Demers and husband Kyle Huot of Biddeford, and Jasmin Demers of Portland; great-grandchildren Landon Demers, Lane Demers and Elliot Nguyen; sister, Gloria Adams; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jeanine was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Thomas Beausoleil, and brother, Richard Beausoleil. She was also predeceased by son Kelly’s fiancé, Brenda Vessey and son, Michael’s fiancé, Laura Eaton.

In accordance with her wishes, there will be no services. Arrangements are being handled by Hope Memorial Chapel, located at 480 Elm St., Biddeford, ME 04005.