Germaine L. Bostwick (Lauwereins) Obituary (1927

Germaine passed peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday October 7. Predeceased by her husband Robert Jay Bostwick and her brother Morris Lauwereins, she is survived by her daughters: Barbara (Mark) Quinn, Janet Bostwick, Joan Bostwick (Tom Hogan), and Nancy Jayne Bostwick (Jim Card); her grandchildren: Matthew, Michael and Brian Quinn, Katie and Lizzie Hogan; many nieces, nephews and friends. Germaine was born to Eliza and Arthur Lauwereins in Rochester NY on December 13, 1927. She was a first-generation Belgian-American and was the last surviving grandchild of Elodie Colle who brought her six children to America from Belgium in 1909. Germaine grew up in LeRoy NY and graduated from LeRoy Central School and attended Rochester Business Institute. She helped establish the annual 50+ reunion celebration for LeRoy High School and continued to enjoy her friends and classmates up to her 73rd reunion last year. She married Robert Jay Bostwick on July 11, 1953 and moved to Philmore Avenue in Caledonia where she spent her entire life, only moving once to the house next door. Germaine and her husband Bob were active in the community serving a combined 73 years of service with the Caledonia Fire Department and Auxiliary. She volunteered at Jones Hall and worked at the election polls. She was active in the Rosary Society and several committees at St. Columba Catholic Church in Caledonia. Germaine worked at the Bank of Caledonia and then at the Genesee Valley Pennysaver. She worked in her final years at the Gigglin' Pig and, because she never quit, still considered herself to be an employee. Germaine embraced life to the fullest and gave her time and energy in many ways to her community and family. She was never the wallflower and always enjoyed life - celebrating as often as possible. She had an extended family that she adored - her cousins were like her siblings and their children her nieces and nephews. She spent time celebrating life's fortunes with all of us and we have been blessed to have had her as part of our lives. A special thank you to her caregivers, especially Molly Coyle and Laurie Trathen, for the wonderful care throughout the years and for making her final days so comfortable. For everyone who helped her, including Morgan, Sandy, and Wendy, thank you so much. You made it possible for her to stay in her home. Friends may call Friday October 18 from 4-8pm at Alhart Funeral home. Her Funeral mass will be held Saturday October 19 at 11:00AM at St. Martin De Porres Parish, St. Columba Catholic Church 198 North Street, Caledonia, NY with burial at Mumford Rural Cemetery. There will be a celebration of her life at 1:00PM at Jones Hall in Caledonia. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Livingston County Hospice, 2 County Campus, Mt. Morris, NY 14510-1619 or the Caledonia Library, 3108 Main Street, Caledonia, NY 14423.