Claremont resident Julie Demers remembered for home renovation and care

Julie Simone Demers, a Claremont resident known locally for her home renovation work and family caregiving, died Dec. 31, 2025, at Sullivan County Health Care in Unity. She was 61.

Born Oct. 1, 1964, in Hanover, Demers was a 1982 graduate of Thetford Academy. She earned an associate degree from Champlain College and a bachelor’s degree in computer science from St. Michael’s College. After working as a computer programmer in New Jersey, she returned to New Hampshire where she partnered with her father on residential renovations before settling in Claremont in 2011.

Demers’s interests were grounded in practical skills and regional pastimes. She enjoyed home improvement and decorating, rode motorcycles, and traveled with family. She also served as a devoted caregiver to a terminally ill uncle, a role that underscores the often-unseen care networks within Sullivan County and the Upper Valley.

Her family has arranged visitation and a funeral service at Knight Funeral Home in White River Junction, Vermont. Visitation will take place from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by an 11 a.m. service on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations to the Upper Valley Humane Society.

Demers’s life intersects with several local institutions. Sullivan County Health Care, where she passed, provides inpatient and long-term services to residents across the county; Knight Funeral Home continues to serve families in both Vermont and New Hampshire communities. Her mix of technical training and hands-on renovation work reflects the shifting local economy in the region, where skilled trades and professional careers coexist and support neighborhood stability.

For Claremont neighbors who hired Demers or knew her through family connections and motorcycle rides, her passing is a reminder of the informal networks that keep small communities functioning. The family’s request that donations go to the Upper Valley Humane Society highlights a common local practice of directing grief into community support, and it provides a concrete option for those who wish to show sympathy.

The takeaway? If Julie’s life resonates with you, consider one of two simple actions: support a local shelter or reach out to a neighbor providing care. Small acts—donating to the humane society, checking in on someone who’s caring for a sick relative, or hiring local tradespeople—are practical ways to honor a neighbor who spent much of her life building and caring for home and family. Our two cents? A thoughtful donation or a quick phone call can mean a lot in towns like ours.