Germaine Dolores (Osowski) Smith

Germaine Dolores (Osowski) Smith peacefully left for her eternal home in the early morning hours of September 7, 2025 at the age of 84. Her funeral mass will be celebrated at 10am Thursday, September 11, 2025 at Holy Family Parish, 11804 S. Saginaw St. in Grand Blanc, Michigan with a Rosary and visitation at 9am prior to mass. Interment will take place immediately after at All Saints Cemetery, Waterford. Germaine is remembered by her four children: Carl (Gwen) Smith of Rochester Hills, Gordon (LeeAnne) Smith, Amanda (Derald) Bauer of Saline, Heather (Neil) Peplinski of North Barrington IL; her grandchildren, Joshua, Emma, Sam and Abby; her brother Robert (Karrie) Osowski and brothers-in-law Truman Smith and Fran Labadie.

Germaine met her future husband, Byron, during their time in school at Shrine of the Little Flower in Royal Oak just down the street from their childhood homes. While she left after graduation to earn her BA at Mount St. Joseph University in Ohio, she later returned to marry Byron on August 24, 1963 at the Shrine. Married for 59 years before Byron’s passing, they raised four children and enjoyed the four grandchildren who followed. Their mutual love of the water translated into boating for 40 years along the coasts of Lake Huron and Lake Michigan stopping at favorite ports and building life long friendships along the way. Byron always affectionately referred to his wife as the “Admiral” for their numerous adventures. Many of Germaine’s favorite memories included sharing Mackinac Island with her grandkids.

An artist by training and at heart, Germaine found so many opportunities to hone her skills and share her craft throughout her life. She was a sculptor and painter but quickly moved into fiber arts with weaving, quilting, knitting and crochet. Starting in her teens, Germaine became an incredibly talented seamstress, which led to many prom dresses, wedding gowns and communion dresses for her family over the decades. She taught for several years and owned a yarn shop in Birmingham for several more. Her family has so many treasures she created.

In raising her family, Germaine continued many traditions passed from her parents. From her father, Chester, she gained a love of roses and gardening. While her own children were still in the house, summers were then spent planting, harvesting and preserving treats for the winter months. From her mother, Eleanore, it was baking cakes and cookies along with favorite recipes for pierogi, chrusciki and the infamous Thanksgiving stuffing.

Germaine remained dedicated to her Catholic faith and to trusting in God’s love throughout her life. Her family and friends will miss her deeply but find comfort in his grace.

If desired, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital.