Demetra Ann LaPorte, 88, of Laguna Woods, California, passed away peacefully at home on July 1, 2022.

Demetra was born on a farm in the small town of Milan, Tennessee on March 4, 1934. Parents, William Charles and Annie Pearl Hammonds relocated to Chicago in her early years. She was affectionately known by her brother Darrel as "Sis".

Demetra met the love of her life, Louis Michael LaPorte while both attending Northern Illinois Teachers College. They immediately fell in love and were married for 62 years. Louis's job transferred the family to Virginia for a year and half, Delaware for 10 years and finally to Mission Viejo, California in 1978.

Demetra or "Grandma Dee" unselfishly loved her four children and four grandchildren and supported them all her life through many highs and difficulties they went through. She never gave up on any of them.

Demetra was passionate about the love of God and would remind her children about his grace and to always "count your blessings".

Her favorite traveling memories were to Rome, Spain, Portugal, Hawaii and her hometown of Chicago. She especially loved spending her summers in the early 70's at her mobile home in Rehobeth Beach, Delaware.

To say that her family and friends will miss her greatly is an understatement. She had that easy smile and loved meeting new people.

Demetra was preceded in death by husband, Louis Michael LaPorte, parents William Charles and Annie Pearl Hammonds, brother, Darrel Hammonds.

Demetra is survived by daughters LouAnn LaPorte, Cheri Beth LaPorte Ryan, Deena Mennella, son, Gregg LaPorte, grandsons, Anthony Mennella, Vincent Mennella, Cody Ryan and only granddaughter Marissa Ann Piccolello.

A special thank you to JoAnn Kitagaki who was Demetras's caregiver for over 4 years. The special bond between the two of them was undeniable. JoAnn would help Demetra make homemade cakes for all of the kids, grandkids, neighbors, on special occasions, like every birthday. They were made with love.

O'Connor Mortuary   Laguna Hills, Ca
Visitation  Wed. July 20, 2022   2p-4p

O'Connor Chapel
Service Thurs. July 21, 2022  10a-12p

Ascension Cemetery   Lake Forest, Ca
Burial  1p-145p

Luncheon to follow at BJ's off El Toro Rd  Laguna Hills