Mary Germaine St. John, 89, passed away Friday, July 26, 2024, in Laramie.
Germaine was born November 21, 1934, to Leon and Maryellen (nee Dinneen) Jezewski in Sheridan, Wyoming. Germaine attended Holy Name Catholic School in the first grade, and in the summer of 1941 the family moved to Laramie, Wyoming, where Germaine’s father assumed the position of mechanical superintendent of the “Daily Bulletin,” Laramie’s morning newspaper. She didn’t know it then, but she had found her life-long home.
During her early years, Germaine displayed extreme talent in the ice-skating world. At that time there were three outdoor rinks at Undine Park and Germaine spent most of her time skating. She was a soloist for the University of Wyoming Hockey Club and was a star performer in the many Ice Follies held in Laramie in the 1940s and 1950s. She won several competitions.
Germaine graduated from Laramie High School (presently the Civic Center) in 1952. During her early years she started employment at age of 12 at the F. W. Woolworth Company (presently the Curiosity Shoppe). She had a real knack for numbers and worked in the store office through most of her junior high and high school years. After high school graduation in 1952, she dreamed of attending Colorado Women’s College in Denver, but it was necessary for her to continue employment to secure funding for tuition. In November of her senior year, she began employment with Northern Gas Company. She advanced very rapidly with the company and remained with the organization until 1967. During that time, she met and married her husband, Oren Dale St. John. After Dale completed his University of Wyoming education, Germaine resigned from Northern Gas Company and entered the University of Wyoming majoring in business administration. During that time, she served as a secretary to the attorneys in the Wyoming Legislature for two terms and also worked part-time as secretary for the law firm of Pence and Millett.
In the late 1960s Germaine began a fulfilling career with First Interstate Bank (then associated with First Interstate Bancorporation in Los Angelas, California). She remained employed for many years, advancing to Vice President of Operations. During her career in the banking industry, she was very actively involved in the community. She served on the Board of Ark Industries, Safe Project, Wyoming Heart Association, Eppson Center Foundation Board, Traffic Commission, and as a City of Laramie Ambassador with the Chamber of Commerce.
In 1977 she entered the political scene and was elected to the City Council. In 1979 she was appointed Mayor of Laramie and served in that capacity for two years. She chose early retirement from First Interstate Bank and she and her husband spent time traveling and volunteering extensively. In 1980, the Governor appointed her to represent Wyoming on the People-to-People Goodwill tour to China, and later she also enjoyed traveling to Italy, Israel, and several cruises into Hungary, Switzerland and throughout the United States. Germaine continued to work part-time as the Vice President of Operations for the Wyoming/Colorado Excursion Train which ran from Laramie to Lake Owen, as well as a tax aide for Pam Dunnuck, CPA and the AARP Tax Aide program. Both she and Dale were very active in the Laramie Plains Museum and in 2005 Germaine founded The Unexpected Company Senior Theatre, and to date that group of very talented Laramie thespians age 50 and older have become a Laramie entertainment hallmark. She was also extensively involved in volunteering with the Ivinson Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and the Eppson Senior Center of Laramie.
Germaine was very active in St. Paul’s Newman Center where she served in many ministries. In 2010 Germaine moved with her husband to New Mexico. Upon his death shortly after the move, and after 52 years of marriage, Germaine returned to Laramie to contribute her efforts to the community she always called home.
The COVID-19 era provided an unanticipated blessing to Germaine by introducing her to an organization called Senior Planet that, by the power of Zoom, kept her connected to a group of like-minded people from all over the country, kept her spirits high, helped her learn a little computer tech, and created a new support system that blossomed into cherished friends.
Her closing act was filled with continued joyous service to many civic organizations including the Wyoming Women’s History House, as well as family travels reconnecting with the Cowboy State she adored.
She is survived by her son, Gregory Dale St. John of Los Lunas, New Mexico, ex-wife Nancy Eileen (Vautrinot) Saint John, and grandsons Geoffrey Tyler, Jarryd Morgan and Joshua Philip.
Funeral Liturgy will be Thursday, 15 August 2024, 10:00 am at St. Paul’s Newman Center, with Father Rob Spaulding officiating. A vigil will be held Wednesday, 14 August 2024, 6:30 pm at St. Paul’s.
A celebration of life reception will be held at the Laramie Plains Museum Alice Hardie Stevens Center following the Liturgy. Inurnment will be at Greenhill Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the Wyoming Women’s History House, Laramie Plains Museum, Eppson Center for Seniors, or St. Paul’s Newman Center.
To Greg and Germaine's friends: this great lady made up for not having any relatives in Laramie, and very few elsewhere, by paying attention to those around her, treasuring and praising to the sky the ones who, like her, were the "movers and shakers" of Laramie. I got to know her well after Dale had passed, and I found that nearly every story I was writing for the Boomerang newspaper about some aspect of Laramie's history Germaine had something extraordinary to contribute. We had lunch together once a week for the past 6 years, and recently spent every Friday afternoon paired up as docents at the Wyoming Women's History House, which she adored. When we didn't have visitors, all I had to do was mention a Laramie topic, like "bowling alleys", "ice skating", "city curmudgens", and even "prostitutes", and Germain could tell amazing stories on the topic. She was Wyoming through and through, and had opinions on most everything--some of which she kept to herself, but she was outspoken with praise and when she thought hearing her critical opinion might help a situation. We are on our own now, as Gore Vidal said upon the death of Eleanor Roosevelt. A unique light equally notable on the local level has gone out now and will be missed.
I'm not sure if you'll remember me but I met Germaine when she came to Cheyenne to tour Primrose when I was the Sales Director there a few years ago. Your mother was an amazing woman that so many people looked up to! I loved our talks - both in person and on the phone. Right before I left Primrose, I knew your mother was suffering from many things and was in so much pain but I had NO idea she had passed away or I would have come to the funeral to pay my respects. All my blessings to your entire family on your loss of such an incredible presence in your family. I know she has influenced all of you in so many ways, she will be missed!
Greg, I was saddened to learn of your Mother's passing. I am so very sorry for your loss. She was an amazing person, and the you reflect the best of her and your Father. I hope you have many fond memories of your parents to comfort you and bring a smile to your face. God bless.
My sincere condolences. I knew her from Senior Planet Lunch and Learn class. It was always a pleasure listening to her speak with her intelligence and she shared great information. She will be sorely missed.
Greg and Family: We are so sorry for your loss. Germaine was a wealth of information about Laramie and Wyoming and her input was so important to the Eppson Center as a longtime member and volunteer. She was absolutely elegant at our Dinner with Dickens in December and I will always remember how much she appreciated good entertainment, a good story, and how grateful she was for the Eppson Center here in town. She will be sorely missed, but never forgotten! Tammy Comer and the Eppson Center Staff
When Germaine was on senior planet calIs I would always smile and knew I needed to be articulate. She was Articulate and insightful And delightful. Many of us weren't sure what was going on as her health declined but we knew she wasn't on Many zoom calls. Hope her final path was short and as Pain free as possible. I know hospice works hard at getting to that goal And knowing Germaine from Calls I'm sure she asked a lot of questions and made good decisions. I am still glad I met her via the Zoom. Take care of yourself and hugs to all Sherri pride
I was one of Germaine’s caretakers towards the end of her life and I just loved her SO much. She made a huge impression upon me. My heart goes out to Greg for being such a loving and devoted son.
I am so sorry for your loss. Germaine was such a great example to me! I met her many years ago, when we took a Clogging Class from Susan Shumway. I had little kids at the time and she was retired, she had more energy then all of us. She loved her family and loved Wyoming. I will miss her and her beautiful smile and soul.
Sam Hannas was a classmate of Germaine, class of 1952. She always put together a great reunion, fun and interesting. She made sure most of the class was there. Thanks Germaine. Joyce Hannas
I will always be thankful for the gift of being Germaine’s friend. We made a special bond at our daily zoom meetings and became like family. She always was engaged and had so many interesting things to share. I was happy to have the chance to visit Laramie and see her in a play and visit the Wyoming Women’s History House where she did a fantastic presentation on her beloved Laramie. What a great lady. We will miss you Germaine. My condolences to Greg and the family.
Unfortunately, I never met Germaine in person. I loved listening to her during Senior Planet Zoom meetings. She was so wise and always willing share her knowledge and wisdom with us. Greg, I am so sorry for your loss. She shared with us about the trip you and she went on where you interacted with robotic wait staff. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing that story, knowing she embraced learning, not letting age be a reason or excuse to not live fully.
I met this wonderful lady when I joined Zoom meetings through Senior Planet. She always had such great insight and advice to provide. Wish I could have met her in person. She seemed to be a very knowledgeable lady and I enjoyed it when she was on the Lunch and Learn meetings.
I only knew Germaine through Senior Planet, she was a lovely person and enjoyed our conversations She will be missed—my condolences to Greg and the family.
Greg we are so sorry to hear about your mother. Germaine was always a bright spot when we ran into her in town. We had fond memories visiting her and your dad at North Fork especially trying to figure out the layout of the kitchen. We would sit and have long conversations about anything and everything. Really enjoyed her memories of early Laramie. Our girls grew up knowing she was quite the lady and always enjoyed seeing her. We will miss you Germaine. Rest in Peace.
What an amazing lady! Her dedication to Laramie, it’s history, people and projects was stellar. Her energy level was incredible. It was always a pleasure to see and visit with her. I admired her. She will be missed!
She was such a strong woman, it's hard to believe she's gone. My sincerest condolences to Gregory and his family. May she rest in peace.
Greg, may God comfort you in His loving arms and fill you with His peace during this difficult time and in the days to come. May your Mother rest in peace. Blessings to you and your family.
Germaine will be missed by the Laramie community. She was a vibrant and active member of Laramie Woman's club. Rest in peace dear friend
Germaine will be missed by so many Laramie citizens. She was a vibrant and involved member of the community. Rest in peace dear friend
I only knew this beautiful lady through Judy Rough’s programs bringing people together to share some subjects of interest. Germaine always made important contributions, inspiring with her unique point of view. I feel as though I knew her personally through this program. I will miss her face, voice in programs such as this in the future. She did pass on her wisdom, guidance and experience.
What a vibrant, outgoing woman Germaine was. Always so kind to me after working at the bank years ago. She will be missed by many. My condolences to Greg and his family.