Deborah Bose

Loving, generous, and kind, Deborah Bose lived a life rich in family, friends and community. A woman who led with her heart in all things, Deb lived a life of service, never hesitating to lend a hand to those in need. Deb found joy in the bustle of life filled with varied interests. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Deb touched many lives and wove a beautiful tapestry of life entwined with those she so dearly loved.

1951 proved a year of increased comforts and exciting new possibilities. While unemployment dropped to 3.3%, the nation additionally celebrated the first direct-dial trans-coastal phone call, easier travel in more comfortable cars and on newly paved interstates, and the premieres of "I Love Lucy," "The Day The Earth Stood Still," and "An American in Paris." Nowhere was the sense of hope for the future more celebrated than in the hearts of Paul and Martha (Keaton) Seyler as they welcomed their daughter, Deborah, to their family on December 19 in Detroit, Michigan.

Sadly, Deb's mother died when she was just four years old. When her father, who adored and cared for her, passed away about three years later, Deb moved in with her half-sister, Peg, in Cadillac, Michigan. There, she was raised alongside her nieces Nanette and Laura, who were nearly the same age as Deb, and treated her as a sister.

For a time, Deb lived in Birmingham, then a bit farther west in Union Lake. Living in the country allowed her to enjoy nature and the outdoors. She really enjoyed horseback riding and swimming in the family's pool. Deb's Uncle Joe took her and her sisters on regional adventures, widening her experiences.

Deb attended high school at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School. Her first job was working at a dry cleaner, and then she had several jobs waitressing. One restaurant she worked at was a Dixieland Jazz establishment. Deb loved music and would join on stage to sing a song or two during her shift. She loved living near Detroit and being able to attend many concerts, including the Beatles and Janice Joplin. She was also a member of an all-girls garage band, "The Pintos."

After graduating from high school, Deb studied English at Grand Valley State College. One night, she had plans to enjoy a quiet night celebrating John Lennon's birthday, but out of kindness, she agreed to go with a friend to see someone. In a series of fateful events, Deb was introduced to Gerard "Gerry" Bose, who hosted a radio program that night. They each saw something attractive in each other. He noted her attractiveness, intelligence, and especially her kindness. The pair began dating, and later on, Deb also became the business manager of the college radio station.

After graduating with her bachelor's degree, Deb and Gerry married on May 25, 1975, at St. Patrick's Church in Union Lake. Wanting to travel and eager to use the French they had learned in college, the newlyweds traveled by train from Windsor to Quebec City for their honeymoon. Upon returning home, they settled in an apartment for a few years before finding their first home on Giddings. In time, the happy couple welcomed their children, Ryan and Molly. After they moved to their longtime home on Luray, the family was complete with the birth of Evan.

Deb and Gerry were keenly aware of their pasts and desired to blend their lives mindfully. They made conscious choices to foster their relationship, which included making time to do things together and separately. In their early years, they worked together for a local radio station, WEHB. When that closed, their coworkers, who were also friends, formed a non-profit group, the New Beat Club, that worked together to bring 60 small concerts from various genres to the area. Deb was an integral group member, serving as treasurer and holding responsibility for the door, ensuring bands were paid, hosting meetings at their home, and sharing her opinions of which bands they should host. Responsibilities at home were shared and morphed through the years to accommodate schedules and interests. Though Deb did much of the cooking in the early years, Gerry picked up the responsibility later in life. Deb's Coquilles Saint Jacques was a favorite dish.

The family enjoyed traveling together, camping and canoeing, and taking trips to California, Disney, and the Outer Banks. Later, Deb and Gerry enjoyed more extensive traveling, including several trips to Europe and a memorable time with a friend group in Greece. With their love for snorkeling, they also enjoyed a couple of trips to Hawaii and many throughout the Caribbean. Deb and Gerry also enjoyed cross-country skiing together, exploring local trails and those in Canada and Vermont.

Deb enjoyed a stellar career as a Librarian. In her youth, she became the first woman to be a night manager for Zumberg Library at GVSU. After earning her degree, she joined the staff of The Grand Rapids Public Library, where she held many positions, including multiple branch management. After retiring from GRPL, she became the Library Director of the Grant District Library. Upon leaving that position, she ran for and won a seat on the Library Board of Commissioners for the GRPL. No matter what official position she held, Deb always considered herself a person of service who would kindly help others find books, discover a love of reading, or search for a job. Whether hunting down a book, advising someone, or mentoring a young person interested in the library, Deb freely gave her knowledge, time, and genuine concern to others.

In addition to her work and love of travel, Deb shared several joint hobbies with Gerry. Through their involvement in Fountain Street Church, they met a couple who taught ballroom dancing. Accepting their invitation to dance, Deb and Gerry began a thirty-year adventure dancing together. Deb became a Master Gardener through the program at Michigan State University. She used her skills to tend to her home garden and the gardens at Fountain Street Church. In time, she enjoyed creating a container garden with Gerry's help. For a time, Deb was an aerobics instructor with the City of Grand Rapids fitness program, and she became an adult piano student.

As their children grew older, Deb and Gerry made time for regular visits, inviting them for a weekly family meal and good conversation. Deb was intelligent, able to articulate herself clearly on many topics, and possessed a wonderful wit. In addition to being well-spoken, she also was a great listener.

About 5 years ago, Deb started experiencing memory problems, and a formal Alzheimer's Disease diagnosis came a couple of years later. Gerry lovingly cared for her in their home for most of her final years, receiving extra help in the final weeks of her life. She was thrilled to be a grandma and enjoyed time with her grandchildren, especially listening to them read a book. Deb's lifelong love of music also served her well in her last years, as she continued to enjoy dancing with Gerry and singing along to songs well into her final days.

As we celebrate Deb's life, may we find much comfort in our many treasured memories. May we also find comfort in the honor of carrying her legacy forward. In each moment we enjoy a good book, gather for a homecooked meal, enjoy the outdoors, travel, give our gifts in service of others, cheer on our loved ones' endeavors, tend our gardens, or sing and dance with our beloved, we keep Deb's memory alive and inspiring others as she so inspired each of us.

Deborah L. Bose, age 73, of Grand Rapids, passed away March 24, 2025, following a long struggle with Alzheimer's.

Deb is survived by her husband Gerry; her children Ryan (Cori), Molly, and Evan (Savannah); grandchildren Jack, Oscar, Sebastian, and Paisley; and her sisters Nanette Sorenson and Laura Cadillac.

Well-loved and respected, Deborah was interred at Ridgeview Memorial Gardens in a private green ceremony attended by her family.

All are welcome to celebrate Deb's remarkable life and career on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 1-4 PM at Fountain Street Church Social Hall with a presentation at 2 PM.

To read more about Deb, share a memory or photo, sign her guestbook, or find updated service information, see Deb's memory page at www.heritagelifestory.com.