On Tuesday, January 17, 2023, Gérardine Julienne van den Bossche (née Vanuytrecht), a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 92. Born in Ixelles, Belgium on May 13, 1930, Gérardine was the daughter of Armandus and Martha (Hardy) Vanuytrecht.
Gérardine was predeceased by her parents, her beloved husband Edmond, and her brother Désiré Vanuytrecht. She will be forever missed by her children, Anne-Rose (Stephen Fredericks) and Philippe (Cory), her grandchildren Sophia, Aria, Sacha, and Eila, her sister-in-law Leontine Eelen, and her nieces and nephews.
In 1965, Gérardine joined the faculty of Iona College as a professor of French. She later became the Director of International Studies and was devoted to her students for 30 years. Gérardine was a woman of great passion and dedication, committed to peace and social justice. In 1979, she was the second recipient of the Hugh J. McCabe Memorial Award for Social Justice at Iona.
Gérardine was not only a mentor to many students, but she also made a lasting impact on the world. In 1986, she helped a former student establish a technical school in Rabat, Morocco, which continues to provide education and opportunities to this day.
Gérardine’s love, compassion, and dedication will be remembered by all who knew her. She was a shining light in the world and will be greatly missed.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint Joseph’s Church in Bronxville, NY on Monday, January 23, 2023 at 9:45 am.
Donations to Save the Children are appreciated in lieu of flowers.
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Eileen T. McMahon says
January 20, 2023 at 8:19 pmSo sorry to hear of Gerardine’s passing. We were Associates of the Nursing Sisters in Rockville Centre, NY together. Gerardine was so many things, including a bridge builder – across countries, cultures, spiritualities and languages. She brought the Nursing Sisters back in touch with the order they were founded from in Le Mans, France. She attended many community celebrations and Days of Prayer and always shared her wisdom and insights. She spoke of her family with great love and affection always. My deepest sympathy to you. I will always remember her and be grateful for what she taught me.
James Spellman, St Josephs church says
January 22, 2023 at 12:03 pmSincerest condolences on your loss. May she rest in peace.
Carol Sohn says
January 22, 2023 at 12:16 pmSending our warmest wishes, prayers and condolences.. We have many cherished memories of times spent with Gerardine through our Associate Membership
with the Nursing Sisters of the Sick Poor.. Carol and George Sohn
Rosemary Caropolo says
January 23, 2023 at 12:17 pmSending my warmest wishes and condolences to you and your family on the passing of your beloved Mom. May loved ones around you bring you strength and help ease the pain. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
With deepest sympathies,
Rosemary
Dr. John Darretta says
January 23, 2023 at 3:11 pmGerardine, my colleague and friend at Iona College, will always be remembered, especially for her kindness and ever pleasant manner.
Br. T. E. Kelly, CFC says
January 24, 2023 at 11:15 amChers Anne-Rose et Philippe et Familles,
Mes profondes condoleances a vous tous en ce moment triste. Je n’ai que de tres bons souvenirs de Mme van den Bossche quand j’etais un etudiant a Iona College (1968-1972). Elle etait une une vraie inspiration a tous dans le departement de langues etrangeres. Requiescat in pace.
—–Brother T. E. Kelly, CFC