Ada Demlow Obituary

Ada Demlow passed away in Antigo, Wisconsin, on July 3, 2025, at the age of 59 due to illness. Ada spent her life as a children's librarian and library director. Some of her achievements include co-founding Read with Pride in Antigo, WI; being named Fayette County Public Employee of the Year in 2013; and, in her words, "raising two kind children."
Ada was known for her love of reading and her dedication to promoting literacy to thousands of people by sharing books with everyone. Her goal was to get children, their parents (and anyone else who would listen) reading more. Ada believed in the power of books to be mirrors-to see yourself reflected; windows-to look into someone else's life; and sliding glass doors-to step into another's experience and gain empathy.
Her curiosity and passion for learning helped her advocate for her community, wherever she was, and for the communities of those she loved.
Ada was preceded in death by her parents, Henry "Hank" Moreau and Sara Ruth McGee Moreau, and her father-in-law, Jerry Demlow.She is survived by her five siblings: Mike, Henry, Young-Mi, Yong-Chul, and Bart; her mother-in-law, Gale; two siblings-in-law, Kathy and Mike; her Uncle Joe McGee, many nieces and nephews; found family; three cats; and three grand-cats. Ada is also survived by the "Den of Demlows": Jeffrey Demlow, retired special educator, and their children: Jacob Demlow, a children's librarian, and his partner, Geoffrey Edelstein; and Sara Demlow, a music therapist currently pursuing her Master's in Social Work, and her husband, Jacob McDonald.
A celebration of life will be held in Atlanta at a later date.
Please copy and paste this link to complete this form for more information: https://tinyurl.com/AdaMoreauDemlow
Ada's favorite bookstore was Charis Books in Atlanta, GA, and she believed deeply in supporting independent bookstores. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Ada Demlow Fund for Child Literacy and Empathy.
Donations can be made through this link: https://chariscircle.networkforgood.com/projects/229298-fund-the-feminist-future
On the donation page, please select "Yes" when asked if you'd like to honor or remember someone with your gift. Then, enter Ada Demlow in the box provided. This ensures your contribution is directed to the fund established in her name. Funds collected will be used to support child literacy and empathy initiatives in a way that reflects Ada's values and legacy.
Ada's wish was for everyone to buy a book, enjoy it with someone you love, and spread kindness. In the words of her idol, Fred Rogers:
"There are three ways to ultimate success:
The first way is to be kind.
The second way is to be kind.
The third way is to be kind."
For those who would like to read some of Ada's favorite books:
-Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh
-Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
-Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers
-Mr. Watson's Chickens by Jarrett Dapier
-Devotions: The Selected Poems of Mary Oliver by Mary Oliver
Mid-Wisconsin Cremation Society is currently assisting the family. Online condolences can be expressed at MWCS.WS.