Else Bookamer of Remsenburg died on May 4 at Peconic Bay Medical Center. She was 91.
Ms. Bookamer was born on February 23, 1923, in Wuppertal, Germany. Survivors said she was a sweet woman who would never intentionally hurt anyone and always wanted everyone to be happy. Those who really knew her said they saw how tough she really was, and that she continued to show strength in the last days in spite of her physical incapacity and terminal diagnosis. It was repeated several times over that last week, “She did not get to be 91 without reason.”
She grew up in Germany during World War II. Her family lived through repeated bombings, scavenged for food, and one time at a border crossing Ms. Bookamer was frightened, ran and was subsequently shot at. She survived the war and soon after was set up on a date with a man, but also tagging along was another man, Robert Bookamer. She fell for Mr. Bookamer, an American Air Force service member. They married and the marriage lasted more than 50 years before Mr. Bookamer died in 2004.
The couple had three children, John, who served in the U.S. Army and predeceased her when he was 21, Rick and Cheryl. With her husband as a serviceman, the family traveled and lived in San Francisco, Texas and France, and ultimately settled in Remsenburg.
Survivors said Ms. Bookamer was all about her family. When the children were younger she baked a homemade pie for dessert almost every night. Survivors said her children tell stories about how she sometimes struggled with the English language when she was upset. She would yell at them, they would laugh at her difficulty and everyone would wind up laughing.
The family grew to include four grandchildren, Richard W. Bookamer Jr., Michele Doyle, Bryan J. Bookamer and Gina Cepeda, all of whom survive her. She enjoyed taking the children when they were younger on trips to Pennsylvania to visit family, and celebrating holidays, especially Christmas, and sharing her delicious cookies. She was a second mother to her granddaughter, Gina.
Ms. Bookamer’s other great joys were her flower garden and doing everyday activities with her husband. Survivors said she enjoyed cooking until Mr. Bookamer retired and tried to take over her kitchen.
She also had five great-grandchildren, Mackenzie Bookamer, Charlie Bookamer, Jason Bookamer, Brendan Doyle and Aaliyah Della.
Visitation was held on May 6 at Follett and Werner Funeral Home in Westhampton Beach. A prayer service was led by Reverend Jack King on May 7 at the funeral home, with interment following at Pinelawn Memorial Park.
on May 6, 2014