Alumni Stories

by Dana Larkin Sauers ’74, HOH '26, P ’99, P ’03, P ’03, P ’09

When Gina Marie DeMaria ’85 is asked what she brought from Delone Catholic into adulthood, she responds easily, “A deep sense of resilience. I learned how to break down problems, look at situations clearly, and find solutions instead of giving up. Delone taught me to keep trying, even when I fail, and to believe that perseverance matters.”

“I also carried with me the belief that there is goodness in people, that everyone has worth, and that speaking out against injustice is necessary. I learned to have compassion for others and to help whenever I can, because everyone I meet has something valuable to offer the world. And most importantly, I learned that no matter how small the deed is, it can still make a difference.”

Admittedly, Gina has overcome great obstacles in her life, the greatest being “learning how to keep moving forward after experiencing deep tragedy. I lost my husband in a sudden and heartbreaking way, and later I faced the unimaginable pain of losing my son Anthony to a drug overdose. These moments shattered me, changed me, and reshaped the way I understand life. But through all of this, I found strength I didn’t know I had. My faith, my spirit, and the belief that their love still surrounds me helped me rise again. I carry them with me every day, not in sadness, but in purpose. Their lives, and even their losses, pushed me to help others, to offer compassion, and to create something meaningful from my pain. These obstacles didn’t break me. They opened me, taught me, and guided me toward the work I do now. Their memory is my strength, and my healing is part of my spiritual journey.

Following her Delone Catholic graduation, she attended the University of Maryland and Walden University. She presently holds a master’s degree in Addiction Counseling and is currently completing a Ph.D. in Developmental (DEV) Psychology at the University of Maryland.

Professionally, Gina is Executive Director and Founder of Anthony’s Way Foundation, an Addiction Recovery Support Services Non-profit in Adams and York County. “I am the President of the Dominic Houses, four houses for up to 32 men recovering from substance use disorder.”  Recently passing the PA State Board as a Professional Addiction Practitioner, CAAP, Gina is also a drug and alcohol counselor.

In addition to her busy schedule, Gina is known for her local service. “I spend time speaking with individuals in the local county prisons, helping them prepare for release and supporting their transition back into the community. I also serve in McSherrystown by hosting a monthly game night for seniors at Cecilian Village at St. Joseph's Academy. I help collect food, clothing, and essential supplies for people who are homeless or still struggling with addiction, making sure they know they are not forgotten. I also gathered a team of dedicated individuals who help distribute life-sustaining medication to those in need. In addition, I speak at schools, colleges, community events, and local government meetings about the needs of those suffering from addiction, the stigmatization of addiction, and I share my son’s story to help others understand and find hope.” Gina presented in conjunction with the Institute for Leadership Ethics, Achievement, and Development (iLEAD) at Mount St. Mary’s University, led by Professor Dana Larkin Sauers, including local recovered addicts in her presentation. “We have also distributed over 1,200 doses of Narcan in Adams County and York Counties.”

Since widowhood, Gina has never remarried. She has two sisters, Christina ‘89 and Vicky, who did not attend DCHS. “I lost my mother in 2017, but my father, Victor, is living in Hanover close to all his daughters. I have three sons. My son Anthony has gone before us. Gianni, who graduated from Delone last year 2025, is attending trade school at YTI and recently made the honor roll while balancing work and an almost full-time job. Dominic, a junior who is transferring to Delone Catholic in 2026-27, aspires to join the military and is also an honor roll student. I am also blessed with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, and many friends who have become my family, including my dear friends Sharon and Jim, seniors at the McSherrystown card club.”

Gina’s memories of Delone Catholic still linger close to her heart. “Memories of Delone: Ah, the memories. I remember getting numerous demerits for short skirts, and the lunchroom feeling more like a social hour than a place to eat. I remember the friendships and the people who helped shape how I see the world today.”

“I remember teachers who challenged us, pushed us to think, and instilled habits and a work ethic that I still use in my life now. I remember Sister Agnes— her art class was always interesting. She was such a kind woman. And I remember Mrs. Dana Sauers, whose class made me look at things differently and helped me find meaning in literature and composition. She is a big reason why I write today, because writing gives me therapeutic calmness. I can still see her standing on her desk just to get our attention; it worked! I remember Ms. Mary Furlong. Her class was extremely difficult, and most of us didn’t pass her tests. Looking back, I wonder now if that was the point. Through that challenge, I learned so much about our government and governments around the world. She pushed us to think deeper and pay attention in a way that stayed with me. Later, after high school, we would have great conversations, and I truly believe that both she and Mrs. Sauers became mentors to me. Their guidance, honesty, and expectations helped shape the person I grew into.”

Gina has maintained many friendships from Delone Catholic. “I have kept in constant contact with Annette Hufnagle ‘85, Kathy Groft ‘85, Sue Smith ‘85, Amy Slick ‘85, Cindy Farley ‘85, Julie Staub ‘85, and others. Life often gets busy, and time can pass quickly, but Kathy has many times opened her home for soup parties, treasure hunts, and bonfires, creating opportunities for us to connect. We usually meet several times a year, and each time, it feels as if no time has passed at all—a lot of laughter, some tears, but mostly more great memories. I am deeply grateful to these women for their support—not only as friends, but also in my work. They have generously contributed through donations and have stepped in to provide help whenever our organization has needed it. For their unwavering support and kindness, I am truly thankful.”

When Gina isn’t studying or working, she travels and enjoys hobbies. “One of my favorite things to do is travel. During COVID, my two sons, our two German shepherds, and I set out in our RV and traveled along the East Coast, visiting 17 states. I don’t think we will ever forget that trip. I have also been fortunate to visit many different countries, including Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean Islands, much of Europe, and numerous places across the United States. I especially love the ocean and the sand—You will often hear me say, ‘It can never be too hot.’ Traveling gives me a sense of freedom, adventure, and connection to the world around me. Driving an RV through New York City was definitely an adventure! Another memorable trip was driving to Milwaukee, so my son could train with MMA fighters—quite an experience. I also love fishing, especially night fishing on my son’s boat. One of my most memorable trips was taking 15 kids to Yellowstone for seven days—it was full of laughter and unforgettable memories. I also cherish trips to New York with my boys.”

Her hobbies include cooking, especially baking, and finding joy in creating meals and treats for family and friends. “I also love to read and enjoy murder mystery movies, shows, and games. I enjoy crocheting, though I haven’t had as much time for it lately. I also love to walk, which gives me a chance to reflect, enjoy nature, and stay active.”

Gina is candid about the spirituality and faith forged by some of the hardest moments of her life. “I cannot pretend to be a perfect Catholic. After the tragedies I went through, I walked away from the Church. I was hurt, angry, grieving, and full of questions. I blamed God. I asked ‘Why?’ more times than I can count. In that pain, I felt lost. But during those nearly two years when I thought I had turned my back on God, I came to realize something powerful: He never turned His back on me. Even in my anger and confusion, even when I wasn’t proud of my choice, He stayed. He waited. And He carried me through moments I didn’t think I would survive. That realization brought me home. I returned to the Church with a deeper understanding of God’s love— one that is patient, steady, and unconditional. Today, I am a practicing Catholic, and I have raised both of my boys, Gianni and Dominic, in the Catholic faith. My journey hasn’t been perfect, but it has been real, and it has strengthened my belief that God walks with us even when we can’t feel Him.”