Obituary of Donna Jean Germain

Donna Jean Germain, 63, of Pleasant Street, Peru, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 13, 2022 at UVM Health Network, CVPH in Plattsburgh, with her loving family by her side. She was born in Plattsburgh, NY on November 2, 1958, the daughter of Gary R. and Phyllis J. (Kline) Rivers. Her younger years were spent in West Islip on Long Island before her family relocated to Cadyville where her parents still reside in the family home in which she grew up. As a youth she was very involved with 4-H and the Dannemora Riding and Driving Club as she and her sister Debbie shared a passion for horses. Family time involved a lot of traveling to different horse shows where Donna and Debbie competed with their beloved horses Memory and Jolly Poise. Donna graduated from Saranac High School in 1976. Donna was always known for her generous, caring heart and worked as a nurse’s aide at both the Vilas Home and Sacred Heart Nursing Home for several years. She then began a career with Price Chopper in Plattsburgh where she worked for nearly 30 years as Food Service Manager, taking much pride in the presentation not only of her departments but also the items they served. Upon retiring from Price Chopper, she decided that she wanted to make the lives of others better and she became Resident Care Coordinator at Valehaven Home for Adults. She remained at Valehaven for numerous years before she left to become the primary caregiver and advocate for her Uncle Royden. Donna’s care and dedication to her Uncle Roy allowed him to remain in his home for several years until his passing. As fate would have it, in 1985 Donna’s path crossed many times with the man who would become her future husband, Bruce Roy Germain. Early on in their relationship Bruce introduced Donna to the sport of motorcycling and together they attended numerous bike events and rendezvous. She married Bruce on December 31, 1989 in Schuyler Falls. Family was of utmost importance to Donna. She was always there to provide love and support to any family member in need. Her devotion to family was very special. Donna’s kindness and generosity also extended to her friends and people she cared for. She enjoyed gardening, baking, cooking, canning, arts and crafts, and her recently acquired hobby of painting fanciful garden figurines and creatures. Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband of 32 years, Bruce Germain; son, Michael Smart; two daughters, Ashley and Taylor Germain; her parents, Gary and Phyllis Rivers; siblings, Gary Rivers Jr. (Will Dibble), Deborah (David) Ulin, and Keith (Denise) Rivers; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She was predeceased by her "adopted" daughter, Anna-Marie Hill and her Uncle Royden K. Kline. Honoring her wishes there will be no public calling hours, services will be private and at the convenience of her family. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the local 4-H chapter or the Mayo Clinic (with designation for Sepsis Research). Donna’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Kabeli, Dr. Hurwitz, her many ICU nurses including Isabella, Emily, Amy, Frank, Jill, Nicole and Shannon for the love and care they showed to her and her family during their time of need. Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru, 643-9055.