1937
Genevieve
2015
Genevieve Willis
August 18, 1937 — December 7, 2015
GENEVIEVE D. WILLIS (nee Dinella), of West Chester, PA passed away peacefully on December 7, 2015.
In addition to being a great mom to her three sons, she was a spouse and true partner for fifty-five years to her husband, Howard. She lived a life of contribution and is celebrated for how she exuded both grace and strength.
Born and raised in Upper Darby, Genevieve was a 1955 graduate of West Catholic Girls High School and a 1959 graduate of Immaculata University. She earned her Master's Degree from West Chester University. She and her husband settled in Chester County where they raised their three sons. She was an educator, having spent over 30 years as a Mathematics teacher and Administrator at the Baldwin School in Bryn Mawr, PA and an elected school board member for the West Chester School District.
Later in life, she became an avid golfer at Hershey's Mill Country Club, eventually becoming a 9 Hole Champion. Gen enjoyed her monthly lunches with the "girls" and weekly Mahjong Nights.
She painted in both watercolor and pastels and gained notoriety in the local art scene, most often donating works to support her philanthropic interests. Gen loved to donate her time and energy to those less fortunate. She prepared meals at home to serve the underprivileged and homeless at St. Agnes in West Chester. While vacationing in Naples, Florida during many winters, Gen tutored many migrant workers' children.
She adored her time in Ocean City, NJ with her sons, granddaughters and extended family. Genevieve and her husband were daily mass attendees and she had many religious devotions, particularly to the Blessed Mother.
Genevieve was the beloved wife of Howard A. Willis; loving mother of Joseph M., Vincent N. and Andrew P. Willis (Karen); loving grandmother of Lauren (Nick), Emma, Katherine, Olivia, Grace, Ashley and Meghan; dear sister of Mary Ann Hascher; Aunt of Deborah, Michele and Carolyn. Also survived by numerous dear friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to her Visitation 6:00-8:00 PM Sunday Eve, December 13, 2015 at The Donohue Funeral Home, 1627 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA 19382, 610-431-9000 and 10:00-11:00 AM Monday, December 14, 2015 at SS Peter & Paul Church, 1325 Boot Road, West Chester, PA, followed by her Funeral Mass 11:00 AM. Int. Calvary Cem.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Little Sisters of the Poor, 5300 Chester Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19143, would be appreciated.
SS Peter & Paul Church
1325 Boot Road West Chester 19380, United States
In addition to being a great mom to her three sons, she was a spouse and true partner for fifty-five years to her husband, Howard. She lived a life of contribution and is celebrated for how she exuded both grace and strength.
Born and raised in Upper Darby, Genevieve was a 1955 graduate of West Catholic Girls High School and a 1959 graduate of Immaculata University. She earned her Master's Degree from West Chester University. She and her husband settled in Chester County where they raised their three sons. She was an educator, having spent over 30 years as a Mathematics teacher and Administrator at the Baldwin School in Bryn Mawr, PA and an elected school board member for the West Chester School District.
Later in life, she became an avid golfer at Hershey's Mill Country Club, eventually becoming a 9 Hole Champion. Gen enjoyed her monthly lunches with the "girls" and weekly Mahjong Nights.
She painted in both watercolor and pastels and gained notoriety in the local art scene, most often donating works to support her philanthropic interests. Gen loved to donate her time and energy to those less fortunate. She prepared meals at home to serve the underprivileged and homeless at St. Agnes in West Chester. While vacationing in Naples, Florida during many winters, Gen tutored many migrant workers' children.
She adored her time in Ocean City, NJ with her sons, granddaughters and extended family. Genevieve and her husband were daily mass attendees and she had many religious devotions, particularly to the Blessed Mother.
Genevieve was the beloved wife of Howard A. Willis; loving mother of Joseph M., Vincent N. and Andrew P. Willis (Karen); loving grandmother of Lauren (Nick), Emma, Katherine, Olivia, Grace, Ashley and Meghan; dear sister of Mary Ann Hascher; Aunt of Deborah, Michele and Carolyn. Also survived by numerous dear friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to her Visitation 6:00-8:00 PM Sunday Eve, December 13, 2015 at The Donohue Funeral Home, 1627 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA 19382, 610-431-9000 and 10:00-11:00 AM Monday, December 14, 2015 at SS Peter & Paul Church, 1325 Boot Road, West Chester, PA, followed by her Funeral Mass 11:00 AM. Int. Calvary Cem.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Little Sisters of the Poor, 5300 Chester Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19143, would be appreciated.
Visitation
Monday, December 14, 2015 10:00 AM - 11:00 AMSS Peter & Paul Church
1325 Boot Road West Chester 19380, United States
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Genevieve Willis, please visit our flower store.
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