Genevieve Olson Harkness

Harkness, Genevieve Olson, 98 of Tampa, Florida passed away on June 28, 2019 with her loving family by her side. She was born in Warren, Minnesota and later moved to the Tampa Bay area in 1960. Genevieve worked at the University of South Florida in its founding days, worked for many years at Jim Walter Corp, and was proud to work for the United States Immigration Department. She was lovingly known as the Matriarch of the family. Next to her family, Genevieve’s faith was most important to her. She attended Wesley Memorial Church in Town ‘N Country, where she led a women’s prayer group and was involved in the church life. In her independent days, Genevieve loved sewing and quilting. She was also known for being a great cook, especially for her amazing desserts. Her signature dish was her apple pie, a recipe handed down to the next generations. Genevieve resided at Carrollwood Care Center for the last 6 years. She was beloved by the staff, and was often referred to as The Queen, for her proper and ladylike ways, and could often be found wearing her pearls.

Genevieve is preceded in death by her parents, Gustav and Esther Olson; son, Gregory Harkness; and sister, Velma Muhleman.

She is survived by her two loving daughters, Judy Groleau and her husband Jacques, Kristine Sneddon and her husband Rob; sister, Ardell Maack; grandchildren Sue, Todd, Jenny, Tom, Mike, and Zakk; great grandchildren David, Nichole, Haley, Sara, Ryan, Audrey, Ben, Kelsey, Connor, and Ethan.

A celebration of life will take place at Carrollwood Care Center on Friday July 5th at 2:30 in the afternoon.