Obituary of Germaine M. Caruso

Germaine M. Caruso, 88, of Jamestown, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday March 20, 2019 in her home. She was born November 12, 1930 in Youngsville, PA the daughter of the late Herman and Florence Bengtson Mourer. She was a graduate of Youngsville High School, received her Bachelor's degree from Edinboro State Teachers College, and her Master's degree from Penn State University. She continued taking courses over the years at St. Bonaventure, Syracuse University, SUNY Geneseo, and SUNY Fredonia. She began her career in education with the Jamestown Public School System on September 1, 1953 as a first grade teacher at the former Willard Street School. In 1959, she was appointed Assistant Reading Consultant at Charles Street School and in 1975 with the summer reading program. On July 1, 1976, Germaine was named Academic Supervisor of Elementary Reading. On August 23, 1978, she was named Principal Intern at Love Elementary School and Principal on July 1, 1979, serving in that role until retirement on June 30, 1987. Germaine was an active member of the Tree of Life Evangelical Lutheran Church, (Holy Trinity Lutheran), where she was a member of the Esther Circle, was active with the Food Cupboard Operations, former member of the church council, and a member of the New York State Retired Teachers Assoc. She was an avid Bridge player and enjoyed golf and traveling. Germaine loved to entertain and will be remembered as a wonderful hostess. She is survived by her nieces and nephews: Don and Sally Snow, Shannan and Sierra Snow, Shelly and Savannah Snow all of Florida; Barbara and James Mourer of Connecticut; Roger, Missy, and Kaylin Hewitt of Virginia; Lauri Hewitt; Joe and Marilyn Mills Caruso of Falconer; Vincent J. Caruso of Tarpon Springs, FL; Maria and Ray Taylor of Lakewood; Maria and Fred Fred and Vincent C. Caruso all of Jamestown. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Sam A. Caruso whom she married August 25, 1962 and who died April 17, 2017; a sister, Florence H. Hewitt, and three brothers, John, Donald, and James Mourer. The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at Tree of Life Evangelical Lutheran Church (Holy Trinity Lutheran), 825 Forest Ave. Jamestown. The Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman, pastor, will officiate. A committal service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday in the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery Mausoleum. Family and friends will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday in the Lind Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Tree of Life Evangelical Lutheran Church, 825 Forest Ave., Jamestown, NY 14701; or St. James Catholic Church, 27 Allen St., Jamestown, NY 14701.