Elaine Wallach Demme

Elaine W. Demme of Abingdon passed away at her home on Monday, June 7, 2004. She was 50 years of age.

Born in New York on January 5, 1954, and raised in New Jersey, the daughter of Samson Jacob Wallach and the late Lillian Glazer Wallach, Ms. Demme was known for her interests and passions for politics, travel, and adventure. She pursued these interests while attending American University in Washington, and then in her early career as a regional manager for the National Distillers of New York City, where she traveled the U.S. extensively.

As the call for adventure became stronger, Ms. Demme went on to become a professional ski instructor at the exclusive Playboy Club in Verdant Valley, where she became known for her own expertise and patience, and where she became acquainted with other professional and stunt skiers known for their work in television and movies. She was a member of “The Herd” skydiving team of Pennsylvania for over 25 years, and had accumulated over 3, 000 “jumps”. She shared her love of skydiving with her husband and daughter, with 5, 000 and 300 jumps to their respective credit.

Ms. Demme also had a great interest in organizing and running benefits that would support the fight against many forms of cancer. She organized a very successful “Jump for the Cause” skydiving benefit several years ago, raising both money and awareness in the fight against breast cancer. Several of those diving during the event were themselves breast cancer survivors.

More recently, Ms. Demme was Vice President and part owner of the successful family business of DMT Construction Inc, of Abingdon, where she tirelessly worked alongside her husband to grow and sustain the business.

She is survived by her husband of 20 years, David W. Demme, her daughter, Lauren K. Demme of Abingdon, father Sam Wallach and stepmother Terre Wallach of Hope, New Jersey, sisters Janet and Wendy Wallach, both of New Jersey, and mother in law Suzanne Demme of Abingdon.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Elaine’s name, to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 572, Bel Air, MD 21014.