Gisele Monique Toskin

TOSKIN, Gisele Monique, age 78, of Centerville, OH, passed away on Tuesday, November 15, 2016. Gisele was a devoted wife, loving mom, inspiring grandma and caring sister. She was born on May 3, 1938 in France to Joannes and Marie Brun. Gisele graduated from High School in Macon, France and went on to Business College. She was a member of Blessed Sacrament Church in Newark, OH and worked as a librarian for their school for 10 years. Gisele loved hiking, water aerobics and genealogy. She was preceded in death by her parents. Gisele is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Thomas (formally of Erie, PA) ; children, Paul (Valerie) Toskin of St. Louis, MO, Christine Ingold of Wheaton, IL, Daniel (Paula) Toskin of Columbus, OH, and Thomas (Jennifer) Toskin of Ashville, OH; grandchildren, Maddy, Sammy, Giselle, Corey, Marcus, Natalie, Thomas, Sara, and Maxx; brothers, Serge and Daniel Brun; brother-in-law, Frank (Evelyn); sister-in-law, Elizabeth; and numerous nieces, nephews and all her aunts, uncles and cousins in France. A private family service will be held. In memory of Gisele, donations may be made to the Church of the Blessed Sacrament, Children's Tuition Fund, 394 E. Main St., Newark, OH 43055. "Across the Generations" Story By: Sara Toskin- Granddaughter December 15, 2008 Gisele Brim was born May 3, 1938 in Macon, France, in the Bourgogne region. She was the second child, with an older brother, Serge, two years older than her and a younger brother, Daniel, born 11 years after her. At the age of three Gisele started school. She attended the girls' school while Serge went to the boys' school. There were no buses or cars to drive her to school, so she walked there every day and usually alone. The first school she attended was the preschool and kindergarten school. From first grade to the age of 14 she went to a primary school up the street. The school was a large, two story building full of strict teachers. The school yard was closed in, surrounded by a towering wall. The principal's house was connected to the building. Farther down the road was the high school. In the mornings before walking to class there, Gisele brought Daniel to the daycare where nuns cared for him. There were no school dances or school clubs, nor were there any popular sporting events to attend. The only sport available The family also visited friends and family elsewhere. Gisele spent time with a close high school friend and often went to visit her when she moved. On Saturday afternoons Gisele's mother and Marine, or Grandmother in English, drank coffee together while they talked and sewed. She was Serge's godmother who lived down the street. She was always cheerful with a smile on her face, complimenting Gisele's mother about her children, despite her own hardships. The family also traveled to the country to see Gisele's grandmother. She raised chickens, cows and rabbits. We would lead the cm to other fenced in pastures. Sometimes the cow would get out and we would have to go look for it we would always have to herd the chickens back to the barn. Gisele and her brothers cut wood for fires, picked up the feed for the animals and gathered mushrooms and fruit from the orchard. When it was time to harvest the wheat every person worked. When the task was finished they shared in a big meal. As her first job Gisele worked in a pastry shop, serving customers tea and pastries and cleaning the tables. The three apprentices and a bossy girl lived upstairs. Gisele worked whenever she was needed, especially at Christmas and Easter time. On certain occasions they took bus trips to the mountainous Switzerland or to meet with other bakers in the bakers' association. After high school, Gisele worked for a company that made children's clothing, giving every paycheck to her mother. The company sold the clothes to salesmen and Nouvelles galleries. Her job was to calculate what type of material and how much or it would be needed for each other. She worked there for five years. When she was about 20, Gisele and her friends often went out to see movies or go dancing. After seeing a movie one evening, Gisele and a friend went to a bar called The Sporting, to meet her friend's new American friend. He was in the same Air Force unit as Thomas Toskin. Gisele ran into an old friend there who was married to an American. She introduced Gisele to Tom. Gisele had taken a two year English course, so they communicated right away. Gisele and Tom were married November 29, 1958. I had to have my mother's signature and written permission to marry him because I wasn't 21 yet. She wasn't happy about that! The mayor married us in a civil ceremony first before the church ceremony. Our picture was hung on the church wall for three weeks. The couple moved to the United States in March of 1959. If Gisele could change any of the decisions she has made in her life she would have attended college and received more education. Gisele is proud that she kept in touch with her mother in France and went back to visit her. She is also pleased that her children have pleasant lives with families and lucrative jobs of their own. "Do what you have to do," are the words she lives her life by. The advice she gives me is to keep being true to myself and be beautiful inside and out. Do what I have to do the best that I can. Bio-poem Gisele Brave, intelligent, giving, inspiring. Sister of Serge and Daniel. Lover of family gatherings, France and long walks. Who feels healthy, fortunate, hopeful for the future. Who needs the latest news, fresh brewed coffee, And a good book or magazine to read. Who fears cold, crowds and closed in spaces. Who gives helpful guidance, great advice about life and patience. Who would like to see her grandchildren accomplish their dreams. Resident of Dayton, Ohio. Toskin

Funeral Home:
Centerville Routsong Funeral Home
81 N. Main St.
Centerville, OH
US 45459