Barbara L. Demaray

Somerville

Barbara L. Demaray died on July 23, 2011 at Somerset Medical Center. Daughter of Howard H. Demaray and Idabelle C. Demaray, she was a member of one of Somerville's oldest families, occupying the home on West Cliff Street that had been purchased by her grandfather, Lyman H. Demaray in 1896.

For most of her career Ms. Demaray was a writer, creative director and vice-president of Young & Rubicam, Inc., the international advertising agency. She served her company in its New York offices, as well as in Hollywood, Copenhagen, Mexico City, the Dominican Republic and Toronto.

During a two-year leave of absence from Y&R, she joined the staff of The Children's Television Network in the planning and introduction of Sesame Street.

She also designed windows using her wonderfully fanciful creations for Lord and Taylor's and for Tiffany's flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City.

After retiring in 1986 in Toronto, she continued doing some consulting for a few more years, and eventually embraced full retirement. She maintained residences in Toronto and Somerville, enjoying spending time with friends and their families until finally returning to her family home in Somerville in 2004.

She was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church. There are no immediate survivors.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 13 at 10:00 am at St John's Episcopal Church, Somerville. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cusick Funeral Home. Contributions in her memory can be made to The Nature Conservancy.