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Laferriere, Lula Sue
Lansing, MI
Age 64, passed away on March 25, 2003. She was born on January 15, 1939 in Lansing, the daughter of Troy and Lillie (Forrester) Bowlin. She retired from the Lansing School District; was a former owner, with her husband, of Frenchies Bar for over 20 years; was a member of Lansing Moose Lodge #288, B.P.O.E.; was a foster parent for Lutheran Social Services for over 25 years. She was preceded in death by: her parents; 2 brothers, Kenneth and Troy, Jr.; and her beloved dogs, Pepper, Dolly and Cricket. Surviving are: her husband of 28 years, Dick Laferriere; daughters, Connie (Terry) Barnhart, Bonnie Bradshaw, Vicky Symons, Penny Fisher, and Kayla Laferriere; sons, Jimmie (Melanie) Symons and Troy Laferriere; 7 step-children; grandchildren, Matt (Jennifer), Mike, Justin, Jammie, Chris and Amanda; 6 great grandchildren; brothers, David and Ronald Bowlin; many nieces and nephews; special dogs, Sassy and Tater and several grand dogs; and 3 special lifetime friends, Joyce Luttrell, Jan Davenport and Shelby Sadler. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Richard Theide for bringing her “Home”. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2003 at the Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel, with the Rev. Wesley B. Emerson officiating. Interment will follow in Deepdale Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Capital Area Humane Society, in memory of Sue Laferriere.
Lorena Virginia Blinn
Williamston, MI
Lorena has left the building but her legacy remains. During her 38 years of teaching science to undergraduate non-science majors at Michigan State, thousands have come to know her as an inspiring teacher, mentor, counselor, advocate, and friend. Virtually all who entered her classes had their lives enriched and altered by her. Many who feared or disliked science beforehand ended up becoming science majors through her influence. Others became teachers, inspired by her example. Still others owe their very attainment of a college degree to her advice and encouragement. Whenever a student encountered a problem that interfered with learning, no matter whether the problem was personal or related to the classroom, Lorena sought to aid in overcoming it. Thus she took special pleasure in aiding disadvantaged students and helping those with disabilities or with family or social problems surmount their personal obstacles. Outside class, she gave freely of her time, often to the surprise of those not expecting a professor to be so generous. In class, she had the knack of turning large lecture sessions into seemingly personal conversations in a semi-Socratic mode. Above all, she held her students to the highest standard, demanding understanding of the subject, rather than mere recall, and testing for understanding with exams that made her courses widely known as especially challenging. Lorena came to teaching and to MSU by accident. At age 22, recently graduated from the University of Georgia and intent on a career in medicine, she was urged to take temporary charge of a high school biology classroom. After that life-altering experience, she returned to earn a master’s degree at Georgia, now with teaching as a goal. At age 24, while in Michigan to visit friends, she learned by chance of an opening in the general education program at MSU. She applied, was hired, and later earned a Ph.D. at MSU, becoming an ardent advocate of the general education philosophy. Her interests were wide-ranging; she enjoyed teaching courses in geology and physics-astronomy as much as those in biology, the subject in which she was primarily trained. She was deeply interested in archaeology, and became president of the Michigan Archaeological Society, publishing a history of that organization. In recent years she enjoyed rehabilitating orphaned and injured wildlife and delighted in world travel, especially in trips to Africa and other locales where the experience would enhance her teaching. Travel was an interest nurtured when, on leave from MSU, she went with her family to teach in Malaysia for two years, traveling extensively in SE Asia. Lorena’s curiosity was insatiable; she had to know the “how” and “why” of things, down to the slightest relationship, a characteristic that contributed to making her lectures fascinating. She died of brain cancer on November 26, 2002, at age 63, cutting short an unfinished career and ending her dream for retirement, which, characteristically, was to teach among the Masai in Kenya. Her death leaves an unfillable void in a family consisting of her son and daughter, Matthew and Elizabeth Martin; her husband, Walt; and Walt’s children, Mary and David. Her own children and her influence upon their lives constitute the part of her legacy that she would no doubt value most, for she was the most loving and caring mother a child could hope for. An assessment of her life and teaching career-and a suitable epitaph-comes from a recent student’s evaluation that concluded with the words, “She gave a damn!” A memorial service will be held for Lorena on Saturday, December 7, at 6:30 pm at the MSU Alumni Chapel. If desired, contributions can be made to the Nature Conservancy.
Bos, Mary Frances (Peters)
Lansing, MI
Formerly of Houghton Lake, MI
Mary Frances (Peters) Bos, loving mother and grandmother departed this life July 6, 2002 to tend the ultimate flower garden. She was born July 8, 1951 in Houghton Lake, MI to Joseph and Adeline (Breyer) Peters. She was preceded in death by her father Joseph and 4 siblings. Surviving her are daughter, Michelle (Eric) Nelson of Eaton Rapids, granddaughter Kristina of Lansing, mother Adeline Peters of Houghton Lake, 4 sisters, Beverly (Larry) Peabody of Houghton Lake, Shirley (Bill) Mouser of Traverse City, Carol (Mike) Pierce of Lansing, Debbie Peters of Key West, FL, 4 brothers, Dick Peters of Houghton Lake, Joe (Betty) Peters of Lansing, Gary (Sandy) Peters of Laingsburg, Larry (Bonnie) Peters of Houghton Lake, sixteen nieces and nephews and a host of friends and former co-workers. Her sense of humor and optimistic outlook will be missed by all who knew her. A Memorial Mass was celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 10, 2002 at St. Mary's Cathedral 219 Seymour Ave. with Rev. Fr. Arockyasamy Santhiyagu as Celebrant. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family. Visitation for family and friends was held on Tuesday, July 9, from 6-9 p.m. at the home of Mike and Carol Pierce, 2429 Springdale in Lansing. Arrangements by Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.
Seaman, John Norman
East Lansing, MI
John Norman Seaman, prominent local attorney, linguist, civil servant, war hero, word lover, world traveler, and member of a remarkable Lansing family, died Monday morning, September 9, 2002. He was a man of profound constancy, and a loyal keeper of those older values about which we often hear, but seldom see. His dry humor was a mark of his interest in words. He was born on February 19, 1914 at Battle Creek, Michigan. In 1917 his father, William Seaman, moved to Lansing to open the Style Shop, a high-end women’s clothing shop on Allegan Street in downtown Lansing. He attended Lansing public schools, graduating from Lansing Central High in 1929 at the age of 15. Being too young to enter college, he attended Culver Military Academy, graduating Cum Laude in 1931. He took an AB with honors from Michigan State College in 1935. He did a year’s post-graduate work at Princeton University, 1935-36, in the School of Public and International Affairs. He returned to Michigan and took a law degree from the University of Michigan in 1939. He was awarded the Order of Coif and wrote for the Law Review. He began his law career as Research Clerk for Michigan Supreme Court Justice Howard Wiest. He left that post in 1940 to begin a private practice. In 1951 he formed a partnership with Charles R. MacLean, which later became the law firm MacLean, Seaman, Laing & Guilford. He was the first director of the Ingham County Bar Association Legal Aid Bureau, 1940-1941, and was an enthusiastic supporter of the bureau throughout his life. In 1942 he joined the army as a second lieutenant and was assigned to the fledgling code-breaking unit in Washington. He rose rapidly in rank and responsibility and was soon working with the famed group of British code breakers stationed at Bletchley Park in southern England. He was awarded the Order of Merit and was discharged in 1946 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He had a life-long interest in languages and spoke French and Spanish fluently. He read German, Italian, Greek, and translated Swedish, Portuguese, Dutch, Finnish, Turkish, and Danish and had a special interest in Ojibwa. Travel for him was a delight as it gave him the opportunity to use his love of language to explore another culture. Mr. Seaman was a lover of the arts, enjoying and supporting the Lansing Symphony Orchestra, Boarshead Theater, and the Lansing Arts Council. He was a founding member of MSU Dean’s Community Council. He was a former director of Camp Highfields, Lansing Symphony Orchestra, Michigan Probate and Trust Law Council, Michigan Taxation Law Council, NBD Commerce Bank, served on the Governor’s Indian Commission, and was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Lansing. Governor Williams appointed Mr. Seaman to the Michigan Civil Service Commission from 1957-1966. He served as chair from 1959-1963. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Martha; four children, Elizabeth (Harry) Tenney, Bill (Maxine) Seaman, Jack (Susan) Seaman, and Martha (Russell) McKee; one granddaughter, Liz (Michael) Jarvis, three grandsons, John Tenney, Chris Seaman, and Mike Seaman; and brother, Robert (Corrintha) Seaman. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, Sept. 13, 2002 at All Saints Episcopal Church; 800 Abbott Road, East Lansing, 48823 with The Rev. Caroline Stacey and The Rev. Philip Dinwiddie officiating. The family will receive friends at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel; 325 W. Washtenaw; Lansing from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday. Memorials may be made to Camp Highfields, P.O. Box 98, Onondaga, MI, 49264 or to All Saints Episcopal Church.
David J. Boshea, Sr.
David John Boshea, Sr. died at Ingham Regional Medical Center, Lansing, MI on December 7, 2004. Born in Newark, NJ on September 3, 1928, he was the son of the late Francis L. Boshea and Mary Jane (Hart) Boshea of Albany, NY. He was the beloved stepson of the late William R. Spear. His beloved wife of 47 years, Caroline Emma (Wille) Boshea went to be with the Lord on November 13, 2003. His devoted mother, Mary Jane Spear and his sister, Nancy C. Spear reside in Loudonville, NY. Mr. Boshea was a professional with the Boy Scouts of America for 39 years, before he retired from the Chief Okemos Council as Scout Executive in 1989. He proudly served the BSA in a number of positions, including National Secretary for the Order of the Arrow and Camp Director of the Adirondack Scout Reservation. He and Caroline retired in Marcellus, NY in 1989. Both Dave and Caroline joined the Auxiliary to Community General Hospital in December of 1992, and both were active volunteers until their deaths. Dave served as Auxiliary President from January 1996 to December 1999, and had 7, 868 hours of service as a hospital volunteer. Both were instrumental in the development of the Auxiliary Park at Community General Hospital. Mr. Boshea was appointed to the Committee on Healthcare Auxiliaries of the Healthcare Association of New York State. Mr. Boshea was an active member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Skaneateles, NY, and he served in leadership positions at Holy Trinity and St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, Camillus. He served as Treasurer on the Board of Directors of Lutheran Care Network (Lutheran Home) in Clinton, NY. He is survived by four children, Susan (Giblin) of Milford, DE; Judy (and Richard Carlson) of Naperville, IL; David, Jr. (and Julie) Boshea of Naperville, IL; and Bob (and Angel) Boshea of Dimondale, MI. Mr. Boshea was the proud grandfather of 7 grandchildren, David, Jennifer, Daniel, Matthew, Jonathan, Ashley, and Stephanie. A funeral service will be held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Skaneateles, NY on Saturday, December 11th at 12 noon. A Memorial Visitation will be held at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel on Monday, December 13th from 4:00 to 6:00 PM.
Rifkin, Elizabeth
East Lansing, MI
Age 87, passed away Aug. 12, 2002. She was born in Chicago, IL Jan. 20, 1915. She was involved in numerous charitable organizations benefiting cancer research. She was preceded in death by her husband, Philip Rifkin in 1996. Surviving are: Son, Randolph (Jeanne Marie) Rifkin of East Lansing; 4 Grandchildren, Jami, Reegan, David, and Benjamin; Great Granddaughter, Emma Rose; Sister, Betty Layfer of Skokie, IL; Nephews, Dr. Lawrence Layfer and Barry Layfer. Mrs. Rifkin is survived by many other relatives and close friends. Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Central Standard Time; Thursday, Aug. 15, 2002 at Memorial Park Cemetery; Skokie, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to Congregation Shaarey Zedek; 1924 Coolidge Road; East Lansing, MI 48823 or to the Sparrow Foundation; PO Box 30480; Lansing, MI 48909-9986. Arrangements by Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.
Bossler, George W. "Butch"
Lansing, MI
Age 81, passed away on Sept. 3, 2001. He was born in Shamokin, PA March 9, 1920 and has lived in Lansing since 1956. He had been employed at the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture for 20 years, retiring in 1983. He was a life member of Masonic Lodge #57, F.&.A.M.; a life member of Ingham Chapter #51 R.A.M.; life member of Council #19 R.S.M.; life member of the Knights Templar; and member of Radjah Shrine Temple of Lancaster, PA. He was a Veteran of W. W. II, serving in the U.S. Army Air Force and was a member of the U.S. Air Force Sgt. Association; VFW Post #3727, and American Legion Post #225. Surviving are: Son, Glen Bossler and Daughter, Betty Bossler. Masonic Services were provided by Mason Lodge #70 F.&.A.M. at 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2001 in the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, with interment in Northumberland Memorial Park, Shamokin Township, PA. The family received friends at the funeral home from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, and from 10:00 a.m. until Noon on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to ALFA of East Lansing, or to Lifespan.
Frankel, Lois
East Lansing, MI
Born on September 13, 1912 in Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on August 5, 2004 at the age of 91. Lois loved the theater and authored many skits and parodies. She was a very active member of Congregation Shaarey Zedak Sisterhood; a member of Women’s B’nai Brith; a member of Hadassah; on the Women’s Board of Sparrow Hospital; and was a board member of the Lansing Red Cross. Lois was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Philip; and her sister, Shirley Trautenberg. Surviving are: son, Stephen (Mary) Frankel; grandchildren, Dori (Jason) Frankel Steigman and Jill Frankel; great grandchildren, Ben, Natan, Zachary, and Michaela; sister, Carolyn Cohen; and several nieces and nephews. The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Donna Frazzini, caregiver and “pal”, Bette Sue and Howard Rittman, and all of the people at Home Instead and Heartland Hospice. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 8, 2004 at Congregation Shaarey Zedek, 1924 Coolidge Road, East Lansing, with Rabbi Richard Baroff officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Congregation Shaarey Zedek Philip Frankel Fund or to a charity of one’s choice.
