Renata Demas' Obituary
Renata Demas, loving mother of Jim, Carla and Kent, grandmother of Alexis and Stefanie, passed away on July 26, 2014.Who was she?Teacher: Renata was a teacher in life and in the classroom. She provided thousands of high school aged young adults with English and Math help over a career that spanned almost 65 years. The last 36 years were spent at Burlingame High School, a school and student body she deeply loved. She retired at age 85 and missed the students every day thereafter.Mom, Grandmother, Aunt Renata: She was a mother without peer, willing to do anything for her children and always there with a warm smile and a hug no matter what the circumstance. “It will be all right” was a phrase that she said often, and she worked to make it so. Besides loving her 3 kids Renata had a special place in her heart for her Granddaughters, Alexis and Stefanie. She was not only proud of the young women they had become but also looking forward to the terrific mothers they will one day be. Renata loved her nieces and nephew Rick, and Rick and his wife Laurie held a special place in her heart. Their kindness over time meant more than they will ever know. She truly loved them and their sons Austin and Bailey.Friend: Renata loved her friends and valued their support over the years, the laughs they provided, and support that was given when times were tough. A special call-out is deserved to her special friend Madeline and her longtime neighbors Houston and Yvonne… you all made her life richer. Special thanks also to her friends at Burlingame High School… you helped her live her dream of teaching while providing friendship and camaraderie.Fan: Renata loved sports of all kinds, her knowledge always surprised students and friends alike. She had a special place in her heart for the San Francisco Giants, San Francisco 49ers and the USC Trojans and Stanford Cardinal. She loved competition of all kinds, watching the World Cup extensively and even the Tour de France, IndyCar, and Formula 1.Artist: Whether using charcoal or line drawing, writing a childrens story or a cookbook… Renata loved to use her creativity to bring a smile to someone’s face or help them in some way. Friends of her children can still remember the incredible cakes she used to make and decorate for special events. When her kids were young she would hold art classes in her kitchen for neighborhood kids to introduce them to the joys of art. Her “carnival” type birthday parties for her kids are still remembered fondly today by her kids and so many of their childhood friends.American: Renata was born in Germany in 1927 and moved to the United States at age 3. Her family… parents Carl and Anna, and older brother Fred… settled in Buffalo New York. She attended school while living in the Buffalo suburb of Kenmore and got her undergraduate degree from the University of Buffalo. She followed that up with a Masters in English from Canisius College. She was proud to be an American every day of her life and, though she spoke fluent German, you would think that she was born in her childhood New York.By age 20 she had graduated early from college and had received her masters… and became a full time English teacher at Woodlawn High School. It wasn’t until 1958 that she left the Buffalo area and moved to California with her husband John and their two children… with Kent born years later in California.Once in California she quickly got involved with the community and education at all levels. PTA President numerous times, Cub Scout Den Mother, Girl Scout Leader, Chairman of the Hillsborough Concours, as well as so many other positions. She loved being involved in helping kids, whether in the classroom or in another capacity.In 1977 she decided to go back to contribute at the high school level and she did so at Burlingame High. Whether it was in the Counseling Office, Math Department or Special Ed, Renata loved assisting young people progress through their challenges in education. For the next 36 years she served in various capacities, loving every minute of it.In the end she was a loving lady who enriched all of our lives and left us better for the experience.Heaven has a very special new angel. We will love her forever.Renata loved all animals, and particularly her family doggies over many years. In lieu of flowers, donations in Renata’s name will be accepted at the Peninsula Humane Society. Address is: 1450 Rollins Road, Burlingame, CA 94010. Online donations at: www.phs-spca.org
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