Gweneth Maria DeMesme - Obituary

n June 10, 2020, Gweneth Maria Estelle DeMesme, affectionately known as Maria, age 88, passed away at Montefiore Medical Center in New York following a brief illness. Maria was born on October 13, 1931, in New Orleans, LA, to Charles P & Gweneth E (Duncan) DeMesme. She was the youngest of 9 children. After finishing Catholic high school, the very spirited young Maria left her childhood home in New Orleans to travel to New York where two brothers resided. She made a home and remained in her beloved Bronx. She was described as a foodie but not a cook, sociable but reserved, spiritual rather than religious, direct but generous. She was known to be meticulous in her style of hair and the clothes she wore. Her long-time friend fondly recalled how she loved to dance and have a good time with an occasional high-ball in her hand. Maria was a caregiver. She had a desire to nurture others which led her to work as a nurse’s aide at Bellevue Hospital, NY. On one occasion, it was shared, Maria helped her landlady paint and prepare her new upstate lodge for occupancy. A devoted friend, Maria looked after her dear friend’s mother in her absence. As her own mother aged, Maria welcomed her into her home until her passing in 1989. Inspired by Maria’s giving heart, a number of her nieces and nephews were privileged to visit with her in her home and assist her in her later years at Grand Manor, Bronx, NY, where she was a resident for the past 5 years. Family recalled Maria’s rich laugh and the warm smile highlighting her deep dimples as well as the debating skills which revealed her keen intelligence. Like her brothers, she thoroughly enjoyed a good football game as well as “playing the numbers” and the state lottery. Maria cared about fairness and justice, prompting her to attend the his-toric 1963 Great March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom with her brothers. This spirit led her to a second career as a correctional officer in the Bronx, NY. There she worked until she reportedly was involved in a prisoner rebellion where she was held hostage. Soon after she retired on disability after sustaining a back injury during the incident. She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Eulalia, Charles, Thaddeus, Alpheus, Alexander, Mayther Coralee (Downing), Magnus Emmanuel, and Kenneth DeMesme. We can only imagine their loving arms reaching out to welcome her home. She is survived by a devoted extended family consisting of a host of nieces, nephews, and their families who reside in New York, Maryland, Texas, Washington, DC, California, and Florida. A graveside service will be held Thursday, August, 20, 2020, at Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodward Road, Clinton, MD, immediately following an 11:00 memorial service at Kalas Funeral Home and Crematory, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, MD.