Sept.
19, 1925 - April 21, 2009SOUTH BEND - Prudence G. Altemose, 83, passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2009, in the Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center after a courageous battle with COPD and lung cancer. Pru was born in Plattsburgh, NY, on September 19, 1925, the daughter of Almon and Florence (Lawson) Harding. On May 11, 1945, she married the love of her life, Robert B. Altemose in New York City. Happily married for 56 years, they lived in Chapel Hill, NC, where Pru worked as a bookkeeper while Bob completed his college degree at UNC. They also lived in Stroudsburg, PA, Minneapolis, MN, Chicago, IL, and finally settling in South Bend in 1967. Her husband, Robert, preceded her in death on June 4, 2001. She was also preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Almon Thomas Harding Jr.; sisters, Harriet Harding, Josephine Burke, Florence Stearns and Joan Bonner; and by five nephews. She is survived by her daughters, Cynthia (Kenneth) Losch of Hallock, MN, and Pamela Frederick and friend, Fred Buczek of South Bend; grandchildren, Jennifer (Bryan) Bridgeford of West Fargo, ND, Samantha (Darrell) Axvig of West Fargo, ND, Blaine Frederick of Indianapolis, IN, Jonathan (fiancée, Teresa Gough) Losch of Minneapolis, MN, Amy (Trevor) Back of Indianapolis, IN, and Stephanie (Corey) Lahr of Buffalo, MN; great-grandchildren, Kenly and Matt Axvig, Marley Bridgeford and Thomas Lahr; 11 nieces and nephews. Pru was extremely caring and thoughtful, always doing things for others. Her generosity and sense of humor touched all those who knew her. She always had a big heart, open arms, and a listening ear. She loved her family and friends dearly. She had great sewing abilities, and especially enjoyed making Halloween costumes for her grandchildren. "Granny" had a special relationship with her grandchildren and was even introducing her great-grandchildren to her magical candy giving frog. She will always be remembered for her delicious chocolate chip cookies and other sweet treats. Pru graduated from Plattsburgh High School and was a member of the Sigma Phi Gamma Sorority and Grace Methodist Church. Visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2009, in the St. Joseph Funeral Home, 1827 E. Ireland Road, South Bend. A memorial service will follow at 2 p.m. on Saturday in the funeral home. Honorary pallbearers will be her grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to the Thomas N. Frederick Juvenile Justice Center Fund, 1000 S. Michigan St., South Bend, IN 46601. For those who are unable to attend the memorial service, condolences for the family may be sent to www.sjfh.net.