Laura Ann Demmer

Laura Ann Demmer, who lived life like a firework — bold, brilliant, and impossible to forget — went to her heavenly rest on Wednesday, June 25, leaving behind a legacy of joy, fierce love, and unforgettable magic.

Beloved wife, sister, daughter, twin, auntie and friend — and the self-proclaimed Queen of the Pink Pony on Mackinac Island — Laura lit up every room she entered — a force of nature full of spark, warmth and wit. She lived with extraordinary energy — always ready to embrace an adventure, a dance floor, a lake day or a new friend.

From poolside in her pajamas to spontaneous sidewalk celebrations, Laura had a gift for turning every moment into something unforgettable — making even the most mundane ones special. If you were lucky enough to witness one of her impromptu pajama cheers, you know she reigned with humor, heart and flair. 

But Laura’s true essence was in how she made people feel — seen, celebrated and cherished. She didn’t just show up to life — she elevated the energy, brought laughter and somehow made it feel like every moment with her was made just for you. 

Her homes in both Northern Michigan and South Florida bloomed with vibrant floral arrangements, her laughter filled every space, and her love of music, water and dancing turned every gathering into a lasting memory (including always counting on her for an evening’s final appearance in pajamas and her signature "boom shakalaka!")

Of course, much of her vibrant life was lived with her devoted husband of 24 years, Ed — her partner in everything and the love of her life. Together almost every day for nearly three decades, theirs was a rare and unwavering bond. As her nephew Kyle noted in a text to Ed, “Laura loved you more than anything. You were her guy.”

Together, they gave their love to a crew of cherished animals over the years, including their dogs Rocket and Lambo. She was preceded in passing by their beloved horses, Gold Alert “Coin” and Bad in Black “Bad,” as well as their treasured dogs Gunner, Winchester, Parker Jones, Boomer, Tumi, and Dash — all of whom undoubtedly greeted her on the other side with tails wagging.

She was also preceded in death by her brother, Michael Beachnau, who she now joins in Heaven, along with her beloved in-laws John and Margeurite (Marnie) Demmer, who she shared such a special bond with.

She is survived by her mother, Patricia Bradshaw; her twin sister, Lisa Hancock (Billy Corey); her brother, Kevin, and sister-in-law, Tina Beachnau; and the spirit of her life, her nieces Isabella Beachnau and Taylor Hancock and nephews Andy Dobias, Kyle Beachnau and Jordan Hancock, as well as her cherished “sons” Micah Hinde and Marlon McKen. 

Mass for Laura will be celebrated 11:00 am on Tuesday, July 1st at Holy Childhood Catholic Church in Harbor Springs, MI; with a visitation being held from 10:00 am until the time of service.  Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Harbor Springs.

In honor of Laura, donations can be made to Young Americans, Northern Michigan Equine Therapy, American Legion Post 281, and both the Lansing Capital Area Humane Society and the Harbor Springs Humane Society.

Laura was an experience. A one-woman parade. A sparkler lit from both ends. Her laughter, boldness, and way of turning the ordinary into magic will echo through the lives she touched forever. 

You are my best friend. The love of my life. And if there’s anyone I believe is waiting on the other side —it’s you. So boom shakalaka, my sweetheart...you are so loved and missed already. You will always be. — Love, Ed