Mary C. Hoskins

Mary C. Hoskins, age 87, a longtime Lancaster resident, passed away at her home, with family members present, on July 25, 2009, after a short illness. She was born in Lancaster on August 30, 1921, the daughter of Genevive Bennett Carthew and Attorney Harry E. Carthew. Mary attended Carlton College in Northfield, MN, before graduating from National Teachers College in Evanston, IL, in June, 1943. She worked at Hull House in Chicago prior to teaching first grade at Country Day School in Rockford, IL, then taught as a substitute in Madison, and later taught kindergarten in Lancaster. She retired from teaching to raise her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, best friend and confidant of 59 years, Mark H. Hoskins, Sr., by her beloved daughter Ann Hoskins Germansen and by her parents.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Mark H. Hoskins, Jr. (Cleo) of Lancaster; five grandchildren: Ted Germansen of Missoula, MT, Matt (Jennie) Germansen of Flagstaff, AZ, Jennifer (Jim) Wolf of Darlington, WI, Mike (Tiffany) Hoskins of Atlanta, GA and Jeff (Jami) Hoskins of Rockford, IL, plus two great-grandchildren. She also continued to retain close family ties with her former son-in-law, Jerry (CAnn) Germansen of Humboldt, AZ and her first cousin, Joe Bennett of South Carolina.

During retirement Mary enjoyed many happy years in San Diego, before returning to Lancaster after the death of her husband, Mark. She was a member, officeholder and past president of Lancasters PEO, Chapter X, and a lifelong member of the Lancaster Congregational Church, where she previously volunteered for numerous church functions and taught Sunday School. In prior years, she enjoyed playing bridge with her friends, and also golf, for which she is remembered as the first female to score a hole-in-one at Lancaster Country Club.

The family conveys special thanks to Dr. Eric Stader, Grant Regional Health Center, Home Care Select and the Grant County Hospice program for the wonderful care and medical attention provided to Mary during her last illness. The Schwartz Funeral Home is serving the family.

A private family memorial service was held. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Grant County Hospice program, 111 South Jefferson, Lancaster, WI 53813, in recognition of the exceptional care Hospice provides to Grant Countys citizens.