Genevieve Rose Harrell

Genevieve was born the youngest of five children at home in Visalia, CA on June 4, 1936 to Andrew and Jessie (King) Janelli. She passed away surrounded by her children and loved ones on July 16, 2023, at the age of 87 in Visalia.

Genevieve grew up in a large family, and as the youngest by many years, was doted on by her older siblings. Her parents were from New York, and she made a trip there on the train when she was five. She remembers getting little gifts from servicemen who missed their own little sisters during the war. One of her favorite memories was the annual multi-family summer camping vacation at her Uncle John’s cabin in Hartland near Badger. The women and kids would stay all week and the men would return on weekends. They played and swam and had a great time with all the cousins. As a teenager, she had lots of nieces who were allowed by Grandma Janelli to ‘get into’ her things. She has referred to them as brats (in a loving way) ever since.

Genevieve has been a parishioner of St. Mary’s Catholic Church since her baptism. She attended George McCann School where she made lifelong friends who she would see in church up until three weeks before she passed. At George McCann she sang in the choir, participated in plays and was elected 8th grade queen to crown the Virgin Mary in May. Her devotion to the Blessed Mother never ceased. As an adult she sang in the choir and became a Eucharistic Minister. In the past few years, unable to drive, her main priority above all else was finding a ride to church each week. Her faith was never ending.

Genevieve attended Visalia Senior High, Class of ’54. She had a boyfriend or two, but one time her friend set her up on a blind date with this handsome guy who lived down the road from her. They had a nice time and shared a banana split at Superior Dairy in Hanford. He joined the Army and was gone for two years but the relationship was rekindled when he returned from the service.

Don and Genevieve married on October 5, 1957. Going out for a banana split became their anniversary tradition. They raised five kids, while both working full time. Gen became a pioneer of sorts as the only female supervisor at Moore Business Forms in the Preliminary Department in the early 60’s. Her team loved her leadership, and many stayed in touch as friends for years. She retired in 1993, taking the golden handshake at the age of 57. She worked part-time for a short while allowing time for lunch and a movie with friends. She was seldom at home – always on the go.

Genevieve sacrificed a lot for her kids. She made sure they all had a religious education and everything else they needed. She was up before dawn, got everyone ready for school, worked all day then came home to cook a balanced meal, do dishes and run at least one load of laundry a night. She seldom went to bed before 11 PM. Though extremely busy, she always found time to help others. If anyone was in need or sick, she provided comfort through visits to the hospital, taking food to families and always praying.

She was proud of how her kids turned out. Through her love, support and guidance, she created a strong family bond that is inseparable. Although each one thought they were her favorite, she gave them each what they needed. Her compassionate spirit, work ethic and zest for life live on through them.

After her kids left home, she took up oil painting and filled her home with a beautiful collection of art. She also developed a patio garden carefully placing her plants for best sun exposure and watered everything by hand.

Her greatest joy in retirement was spending time with her beloved grandchildren. She was there at the drop of a hat to spoil them. She was always willing to provide a ride, babysit, or just treat them to something special. As they got older and moved away, they kept in touch and shared photos of their own kids, which she loved. They all have fond memories of their Nonna who instilled the importance of family and traditions.

Unfortunately, in 2020, Genevieve suffered two major falls that caused a lack of mobility which was extremely frustrating for a woman who is always on the go. After Don died in 2021, she moved to Silver House Assisted Living to get the daily care she needed. During this time, she was bound and determined to get up and walk on her own again, which she was close to achieving before a third fall and surgery. She loved life and wanted to live it to the fullest and looked forward to outings with her family and friends to shop, go out to eat, drive by her home and check the progress on the new St. Charles Catholic Church. She attended mass as often as possible. She was one tough lady.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Don, her parents, her brothers Walter (Betty), Willie (Gwynne) and Joe (Pauline) Janelli, her sister, Marion (Frank) Kidder and seven nieces and nephews. Her best friend of 80 years, Angie Grajeda departed this world just a few hours before her.

She is survived by her children, Dana (Cindy) Harrell of Colorado Springs, CO; Becky (Gary) Turner of Boise, ID; Tony (Cecile) Harrell, Donnie Harrell of Visalia, CA, and Cheri (Danny) Brichta of Los Osos/Visalia, CA. She leaves behind eight grandchildren – Andrew (Courtney) and Matthew (Delaney) Harrell all of Colorado Springs, CO; Mike (Shelly) Ellison of Forney, TX; Genna (Jesus) Romero of Santa Barbara, CA; Dawn Jackson of Templeton, CA; and Haley, Jonah and Keenan Le Plant of Visalia, CA. She has eight great-grandchildren – Dillon, Emma, Russell and Peter Harrell, Ty, Jade, and Troy Ellison, and Bonnie Tucker with a Baby LaPlant on the way.

The family would like to thank the staff at Silver House for their patient and compassionate care these past two years. They have been a blessing and a rock to the Harrell family. We appreciate all those who took the time to visit her or take her on an outing. A very special thank you to Kim McIntosh for providing numerous rides to church and many other requests and to Cecile Harrell for providing support to the rest of the family by sitting with Mom in the hospital after surgeries, taking her out shopping and updating everyone who could not be there physically. They are truly angels.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to any charity focused on helping children.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.millerchapel.com for the Harrell family.