Skylar I. Desmarais

Skylar Irene Louise Desmarais, 11 years old, took her own life on Wednesday, June 20, 2018.

Born in Manchester, she is the daughter of Michael Desmarais and Mandy Graham. A student, Skylar participated in Girls Inc. for the past six years, building priceless friendships with young girls and mentors.

A beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, and friend, Skylar was deeply loved and cherished by her family and friends. Her vibrant spirit brought joy to all those around her. Skylar loved to sing and danced her heart out. When faced with challenges, she always tried her best. In her spare time, Skylar enjoyed drawing Anime. A member of Manchester Christian Church in Bedford, Skylar found great comfort and strength in her Christian Faith. During the summertime, Skylar loved spending time at the beach in Maine, especially Short Sands Beach and Wells Beach. Each summer, family and friends gathered in Wells, Maine for outdoor movies, campfires, and seaside adventures. She dreamed of living at Short Sands Beach, reveling in the sunshine and ocean mist. Despite her positive attitude and jovial laugh, Skylar struggled daily with depression and anxiety stemming from severe verbal and cyber bullying at school. Skylar will be best remembered for her brilliant smile and passion for life.

Skylar is survived by her father, Michael Desmarais and stepmother Hope Shafer of Pittsfield; mother, Mandy Graham of KY; sister, Alison Desmarais; two stepbrothers, Nathen Shafer and Deacon Wesson; paternal grandparents, Albert Desmarais of Candia and Theresa Desmarais of Manchester; maternal grandparents, Amy Jacobs of KY and Richard Graham of PA; paternal great grandmother, June Bernaby; aunt and uncle, Janice and Ed Stefanik; dear friend and cousin, Bryson Desmarais; aunt, Brittany Paradise; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family and friends. Skylar was predeceased by her uncle, Benjamin Desmarais, and great grandfather, Richard Chaput, Sr.

ARRANGEMENTS: Her Visitation will be held in the Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 243 Hanover St., Manchester, on Tuesday, June 26, from 4:00 to 7:00P.M. followed by her Funeral Service at 7:00P.M. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Skylar's memory to Girls Inc., 63 Market Street, Manchester, NH 03101.

The family requests family, friends, teachers, and students visit www.nobully.org to learn more about bullying and actions the community can take to prevent bullying. If you are being bullied, please visit www.mentalhealthamerica.net/bullying-what-do-if-im-bullied to seek help and conflict resolution.