Geraldine A Bogrand

Our Mom, Geraldine Alice Maass Bogrand was born on December 12, 1930 in Huron, SD to Reinhardt and Inez Maass. At the age of 10, she moved to Puyallup, WA with her parents and brother, Clio Maass. She attended Maplewood Elementary and eventually went on to attend and graduate from Puyallup High School where she met the love of her life, and future husband of 43 years, Jack Bogrand. She excelled at math and writing and was an avid sketcher. Mom completed a two year business course and went on to become a business woman to contend with. Her love of numbers took her from bank teller, to bookkeeper, to running all contracts and accounting for her husband’s business, Pipeline Construction Company, for over 25 years.

Facts and timelines are important, but they really don’t show who a person is. Mom was so much more than the dates and milestones in her life. As a child, she was kind and respectful, but had an adventurous and precocious side. There are stories of her walking to town to buy ice cream for a family friend, Mrs. Berry; and on the walk home she and her friend would eat a small portion of it, smoothing it over with their hands so no one was the wiser. While “goofing around” as she would call it, she managed to get herself stuck in a pickle crock of her grandmothers, causing her Uncles to break it to get her out. As a teenager, she had an active social life. She would organize dances, donate time to the YMCA camp and involve herself in school and community events. As a woman, she enjoyed going out to lunch with “the girls.” Stories from her always brought much laughter - like the time she cut a cherry tomato from her lunch salad, only to find out later that it had squirted as it dripped down from her hair! Or, the time she slipped while walking a document to her boss, only to slide on her knees all the way across the room, stopping at his desk…handing him the document without missing a beat. And of course power shopping at Mervyn’s and Lamonts. Her love for, and ability to shop for others was more than impressive. She would always find the perfect gift for a wedding, new baby and especially for one of her children or grandchildren. She loved to give to people. It brought her so much joy.

Her greatest accomplishment was that of a wife, mother and grandmother. As a wife, she was the best partner a man could ask for. Dad always said that without her, he would have had nothing. She loved and supported him through the good times as well as the hard times. She always worked full time, while raising their 5 kids. She even baked bread to sell to the community during the time she lived in Shelton.

To be her child was a gift. She mothered in a way that truly seemed effortless. There were always warm breakfasts in the morning and amazing dinners every night, no matter how busy she might have been. From decorated lunch sacks, to always having the perfect piece of advice for a struggling teen; you always knew you were loved and cared for. She would sing songs on long drives, dress up in costumes on Halloween, and bang on pots and pans at midnight on New Year’s.

Mom had an aura of happiness and peace about her. She always looked at the good in situations and in people. She used humor to get through tough times. She was a practical joker and was a fun and gracious recipient of the same. She loved to laugh and always had a smile…along with warm, welcoming but mischievous eyes. It is impossible to capture Mom on a single piece of paper. If you knew her, you loved her immediately. She was one of the two greatest people we have ever known. She never considered herself a beauty. But to us, she was so very beautiful. We will miss her presence here, but the lessons she taught us, the love she gave and the fun she shared will be with us forever…

Mom was preceded in death by our dad, Jack Bogrand. She is survived by us five children; Michele Bogrand, Suzette Bogrand (Joey), Renee Alton Bogrand, Mike Bogrand and Meriann Bogrand, eight grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.

Geraldine Alice Bogrand

A celebration of life for our mom, Gerry Bogrand, who passed Saturday November 19, 2011, will be hosted on Saturday, December 3rd, 2011 at Powers Funeral Home, 320 W Pioneer Ave, Puyallup WA. Coffee, and Mom’s favorite, ice cream, will be served.

Donations of new toys and children’s clothing would be accepted at the service in honor of Mom’s love for kids. Items will be donated to the Families of Injured Soldiers and Toys for Tots.

Those who wish to say a few words about Gerry will be welcome to do so.

~Michele, Suzette, Renee, Mike and Meriann

Arrangements under the direction of Powers Funeral Home, Puyallup, WA.