Sarah Lawrence Community Mourns Recent Loss

by Sarah Lawrence College

Wednesday April 4, 2007

In recent weeks, the Sarah Lawrence community has lost two of its most beloved and dedicated staff members. On March 15, Geraldine Branca died of complications from a broken hip. She was 87 years old. Only two weeks later, on March 28, Ed Loskywitz passed away following a long battle with cancer. He was 82.

Geraldine Branca began working at Sarah Lawrence in 1967 and served the college community for many generations. For nearly 40 years she served as supervisor for Westlands Desk, helping students and visitors with everything from train schedulesl to campus directions. Geraldine served as an important figure for prospective students, directing their phone calls and supporting them on their campus visits. In early Feburary, Geraldine suffered a broken hip from a bad fall and died in Lawrence Hospital a month after she was readmitted.

Ed Laskywitz started at Sarah Lawrence in 1985. Ed worked at Westlands Gate for 22 years where he greeted visitors, directed traffic and helped to maintain the sanctity of inner campus. Prior to his position with the College, Ed served in World War II and worked in the Bronxville Post Office for 30 years. Ed lost his battle to cancer March 28, after being diagonsed in January of 2006.

Both Geraldine and Ed served as critical members of the Sarah Lawrence community and they will be sorely missed. For the many decades they worked at Sarah Lawrence, they touched countless students, faculty and staff and witnessed the long evolution of the college. Services were held for Geraldine Branca at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 16, 2007 at McGrath and Son Funeral Home in Bronxville.

Funeral services for Edward Losywitz were held on Saturday, March 31, 2006 at 11:15 a.m. Services took place at St. Eugene Church in Yonkers.

Information provided by Sarah Lawrence College.