In Memory

Virginia Hart (DeMarais) - Class Of 1934

Virginia Hart (DeMarais)

Virginia Hart DeMarais was born in Los Angeles on November 13, 1915, to Robert Hart and Virginia Christie Hart. She was in the class of 1934 (South Pasadena High School). She married Billy Delano DeMarais on September 4, 1937, and in 1943 they had a son, Dennis DeMarais. 

The family moved to Borrego Springs after World War II and built a motel called Hacienda Borrego. They operated the motel for eight years, then sold it. Before and after their retirement, Virginia and Bill were heavily involved in local activities and organizations, helping the small town establish a post office, schools, and the Community Church.

Virginia was Borrego Springs' first librarian in 1949, housing the library's books in the lobby of Hacienda Borrego. She was the Borrego Elementary School secretary from 1952-1976. She was also involved in numerous clubs, including the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association, Beta Sigma Phi sorority, Community Concert Association, Borrego Women's Club, Soroptimist International Association, and the Parent-Teacher Club. She documented local history for over 40 years and authored the Do You Recall? history column for the Borrego Sun Newspaper. In 1993 she was recognized by the Board of Supervisors of the County of San Diego as the official historian of Borrego Springs, California.

Bill DeMarais died in 1982, and Virginia died July 29, 1994.

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