Genevieve Mary Guarino

Genevieve Mary Guarino, age 85, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2017 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. She was born on January 15, 1932 in Pine Island, New York, one of five siblings, to John and Anelia Glifski Szarwark. Genny met the love of her life, Joseph Frank Guarino, in New York and they married on April 17, 1955. They moved to Yorktown, VA to follow Joe’s life long career with NASA as a mechanical engineer. They were married 62 wonderful years. Genny was a wonderful and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She was known by many names: Genny, Gen, GiGi, Grandma and Mrs. G. Genny was loved by all and never met a stranger. As news of Genny’s passing has been heard, the family has had many great reminders of this loving woman’s nature…..she had the biggest heart, was a best friend, caring and compassionate but tough as nails, never held a grudge, selfless in nature, nurturer and provided the best life lessons. Genny was a strong woman with a heart of gold; and eyes as blue and bright as a beautiful summer day. As a mother, she always made time to listen to her children’s problems and support their decisions. Her love was unconditional; and her dedication to her family was immeasurable. When things got difficult, she got tougher. Never did she back down from a challenge; and was the first to help a stranger or an animal in need. There was nothing she couldn’t do…from digging the footings for her home to taking care of her bedbound mother. She was the epitome of what a loving individual should be. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially on holidays. Genny enjoyed these celebrations. She never missed an opportunity to babysit her grandbabies, gifting them with homemade Easter baskets and costumes for Halloween. Genny was a fabulous cook, seamstress, organizer and avid gardener, while being a full-time mother to four children. Once her own children left home, Genny volunteered helping the people in need with Meals on Wheels. Genny obtained her Certificate of Nursing Assistant and gave her love and compassion to the residents of York Convalescent Home in York County for over 10 years. Her infectious smile and outgoing personality made everyone gravitate towards her. Genny was predeceased by her son, Joseph Frank Guarino, Jr., parents John and Anelia Szarwark, sisters Angelia Lomascolo, JoAnne Gailie and brother, John Szarwark. She is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Joseph Frank Guarino, daughter, Dianna Sedgwick and her husband William Stewart Sedgwick III; son, Robert Scott Guarino and his wife Lisa Guarino, and son, Francis John Guarino; five grandchildren, Katherine Worth Blair and husband Ryan Blair, William Stewart Sedgwick IV, Kimberly Diane Sedgwick, Grace Elizabeth and Joseph Lee Guarino; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Genny will be laid to rest alongside her son, Joseph Frank Guarino, Jr. Family will receive friends from 1:00PM - 2:00PM on Thursday, November 16, 2017 in the Chapel Mausoleum of Parklawn Memorial Park with a service celebrating Genny’s life at 2:00PM. Genny will be greatly missed by all who knew her, especially her family and the lives she touched by her love and kindness. To know Genny was to know Love. We will miss her terribly. Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family. Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave., Hampton, VA 23666.