Say Hello to Germaine
Name: Germaine L.
Lived In: Trinidad and Tobago, Connecticut
Resident Of: Southbury
Dancing Queen. Career Chameleon. Grandmaternal Sports Super Fan.
Most Likely to Cheer You on From the Sidelines
Quote: “Take it one day at a time.”
Every dance is a series of steps, an elegant and creative way to get from one place to another. Germaine’s life began with dance, so it’s no mystery why her life has played out a bit like one, with twists, turns, joy, and purpose. As a young girl she was a member of the Dance Troupe of her home country, Trinidad and Tobago, where she once performed for none other than the Queen of England. From there she leapt into motherhood four times over, and spent 25 years as a floor manager at Kay Garment Factory before pivoting to a new pursuit as a cosmetologist.
She then immigrated to the United States, finding her rhythm in a third career as a service professional, first as a certified nursing assistant, then an evening manager at 7-11, and finally with the state of Connecticut in the Department of Developmental Disabilities, where she worked until she retired at 65. While some people slow down after retirement, Germaine’s tempo only increased. She dedicated her time to her four grandchildren, all the way from the soccer grandma years to the deep satisfaction of seeing them all succeed as young adults.
Germaine’s secret to living a life so full? Take it one day, one step, at a time. Her routine these days includes spending time pursuing what she loves—being of service to others, visiting the casino for slots or bingo, clapping along while watching basketball or football games, listening to music, and of course—dancing (royalty not required).