From: [X]Fran Olson Gustafson 1965 | Date: 2026-10-08 00:41:20

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    Dawley Lorraine Long DeMar, 89, of 1010 Washington St., Watertown, died Sept. 25, 2026, at Samaritan Medical Center.

Mrs. DeMar was a cafeteria worker in Watertown for many years and also provided child care in her home. She was raised in the Salvation Army and, after moving to Watertown, was a member of Stone Presbyterian Church, where she sang in the choir for many years.

She was born June 23, 1937, in Newburgh, a daughter of Reed Clemence Long and Esther Murray Long, and graduated from Newburgh Free Academy.

She married David P. DeMar on Aug. 9, 1959, at Newburgh Congregational Church, with Salvation Army Capt. Stanley Dipmer officiating. The couple lived on Coffeen Street for many years. Mr. DeMar was a manager at the former Fay's Drug and Department Store and later was a civilian employee at Fort Drum. He died Sept. 13, 1995.

The couple had two sons, David P. Jr., who died Feb. 17, 2016, and Gerald R., who died July 20, 2020.

Mrs. DeMar resided on Allen Drive, Sackets Harbor, for several years before moving to Centennial Apartments.

Surviving are a granddaughter, Ashley M. DeMar, and her husband, Jeremy T. Homesley, Cherryville, N.C.; a great-grandson, Roan M. DeMar Homesley; her late son Gerald's longtime companion, Roberta "Bert" Ciavarella, Watertown; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband and sons, three brothers, Reed M., Raymond D. Sr., and Donald Long, and eight sisters, Barbara Sigler, Doris Gallagher, Marion Murphy, Marie Helen Bakanovic, Ireta Kern, Peggy Mott, Jean DeLuca and Shirley Chiaramonte, died before her. Her companion, Curtis M. Case, died Oct. 26, 2004.

A graveside service will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, in Brookside Cemetery with the Very Rev. Molly Payne-Hardin, rector of Trinity Episcopal Church, officiating.

There will be no calling hours. Arrangements are with Reed & Benoit Funeral Home.

Donations may be made to the Salvation Army, 723 State St., Watertown, or Stone Presbyterian Church, 140 Chestnut St., Watertown.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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