Geraldine "Geri" Bosma

Geraldine "Geri" Bosma
August 6, 1933 - November 21, 2025
11/21/2025
Life Story
Born in Hamtramck, Michigan, Geri was the oldest of five children. Her siblings, Sonny, Donald, Donna, and Sandra, all grew up in the family home in East Detroit. Geri attended East Detroit High School and Wayne State University. She held numerous jobs over the years, including positions at an insurance company and a chemical company, before eventually settling into a career in the medical field as a medical technician and phlebotomist.
Geri was known for being fiercely independent, especially at a time when that was not society's expectation for women. She was never afraid to let you know her opinion. No matter how much or how little she ate, she always had room for dessert. The character trait that most will probably remember her for is her wit and sense of humor. Even in her last days, she always maintained her humor. Geri always lived in the moment and proudly exclaimed that she never buys green bananas.
Geri loved reading, gardening, and bird watching. Her love of the Detroit Tigers came from riding around in her dad's car listening to Tigers' games on the radio during Sunday drives. Over the years, she attended many Tigers' games with friends and family in both Detroit and in Lakeland at Spring Training. She was a lover of the arts and attended many concerts and musicals, and visited museums. This love was passed down to her son Rob at an early age. CBS Sunday Morning was always on at 9am, and she would frequently share an interesting bit from it in conversation. Geri was proud of her Polish heritage, and holiday meals always included kielbasa and pierogi. Geri loved to travel domestically, but especially internationally. Her travels took her on Caribbean cruises and across the globe to China, Egypt, Cyprus, Spain, the Canary Islands, and an unintentional trip to the Netherlands after being grounded in Amsterdam (due to an Icelandic volcano eruption) on her way to a Mediterranean vacation.
Geri never met a stranger. She would always strike up a conversation with anyone she met. This couldn't be more evident, as she met her future husband, Bob, on a flight to the Canary Islands, where they spent their entire vacation together and got married four months later. Bob was sitting in the row in front of her, which was the exit row. Geri's introduction to Bob was her stating, "If this plane crashes, you'd better get the hell out of my way." They married at Greenfield Village and moved to Farmington Hills, where they opened a stamp store together.
Geri made a life-impacting decision when her son Rob was born; she quit smoking cold turkey that very day. This choice likely led to her living a long, healthy life while also protecting the health of her newborn. Geri and husband Bob raised their son in Farmington Hills for 9 years before moving to Spring Hill, FL, when Bob retired. Geri explored the state with Rob, going to theme parks, spring training games, as well as nature parks and beaches. Upon Rob starting band in 7th grade, Geri undertook a role that would last the remainder of her lifetime. She was the ultimate Band Mom. After her husband Bob passed away, Geri made one of the hardest choices she ever made–returning to Michigan to continue to raise Rob amongst family, despite Rob's reluctance to leave his friends. This was not an easy choice, but it turned out to be the right one for both of them.
As Rob's musical career advanced to college at Central Michigan University, Geri went on to be Rob's #1 fan, attending nearly all of his performances. This continued as Rob went on to be a band director, where she was there in the audience at football games, competitions, and concerts in Michigan and in Florida. She loved hearing his performances, but was also quick to point out that she didn't like anything that sounded too modern and that he should "stick to classics" and play more Frank Sinatra.
Geri valued her family. While spending a year of her childhood in Pennsylvania, Geri developed a close relationship with her Aunt Alice. The two continued a lifelong relationship that extended to life in Ocala. She loved all of her siblings, but developed a special closeness with her youngest sibling, Sandi. The two found ways of getting into trouble and bringing joy into each other's lives. Geri had a close relationship with her niece Michelle, her husband Jason, and their son Dan. They lived near Geri in Chesterfield Township and not only shared many fond memories with Geri, but also generously helped Geri maintain her condo.
She found love again later in life in her companion of over 20 years, Al Nemcheck. They traveled together across the county, played cribbage, assembled jigsaw puzzles, and quizzed each other in games of "name that tune." Their relationship was built around the two of them spending time together in both Michigan and Florida, but also spending some time apart. Geri drove between Michigan and Florida on her own well into her late 80s. They enjoyed exploring Michigan and Florida, going to concerts, parks, vineyards, and sporting events. Geri and Al enjoyed many "bucket list" meals together with her sister Sandi and brother-in-law, Joel. The four of them spent many days together, watching the Tigers, going to casinos (where Geri would proudly state she would make her $20 last for hours), and celebrating holidays.
Geri spent the last year and a half in a senior care facility near Rob in New Port Richey. Her proximity to Rob allowed for frequent visits, as well as oversight of her care. Her beloved daughter-in-law, Adelia, also played a pivotal role in her well-being, providing companionship and much-needed ice cream and snacks. Both Rob and Adelia were able to spend time with Geri in her last days.
Geri is preceded by her brothers Sonny and Don, and sisters Donna and Sandra, and her husband Bob. She is survived by her son Rob, partner Al, and nephews Donald, Jim, Joel, Eric, and nieces Michelle and Heather.
Be it a daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, partner, or friend, Geri brought joy, humor, and vitality into all of those who came into her life.
She did it her way.
Geri will be laid to rest at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL, next to her husband Bob. A celebration of life gathering will take place in the Detroit area in June of 2026.