Genevieve Nora (Harmon) Rennie

Genevieve Nora (Harmon) Rennie, 94, the loving, smiling mom and grandmother, died peacefully at home early Saturday, Feb. 4.

Gen was born in Grants Pass, Ore, the middle sister of 3. The family moved to Seattle when Gen developed pneumonia and the doctor recommended they move north. She never understood how the Seattle rain could be better.

As a self-described tomboy she was the daughter that spent lots of time with her dad Lou fishing and hiking the Snoqualmie Pass creeks, rivers and lakes. The family spent lots of time camping at Lake Kachess and Keechelus. The American Legion played an important role in their family life. She participated in the legion drill team and won the state Americanism contest one year.

Following graduation from Franklin High School she was a clerk at Boeing during the war years, where she met Russ, soon to be her husband of 61 years. Family was first in mom’s life and she raised us to enjoy every day. We grew up heading to the beach clamming (no-one cooks razor clams as she did!), or to the mountains camping, fishing, hiking or skiing. Mom was the best Camp Fire Girls leader ever!

In 1964, the family moved to Yakima when Washington Mutual bought out Liberty Mutual. They immediately fell in love with the community and formed many great friends. Life continued at its fullest, with tennis, hiking, traveling, gardening and playing bridge!

She was active in many groups, Young Life, Rosella, St. Elizabeth’s gift shop, and the First Baptist Church. She especially enjoyed the 9 years as a yacht hostess at Camp Malibu in BC, Canada. Giving tours of the camp and telling boaters of the Young Life mission. She said this was “her” vacation.

She was extremely creative and artistic. Through the years she excelled at needlepoint, quilting, stained glass, pottery and was a perfectionist at sewing!

The most special relationship Gen had was with granddaughter Kate. She loved doing anything with her from baking, traveling, shopping and the many years volunteering in her classroom.

She was preceded in death by husband Russ who passed away in 2005, and daughter Marilyn, 1991. Gen leaves behind her four children, Diana and John as well as her birth children Hans Brevik and Anna Walen, (a beautiful story), grandchildren, Kate Mercer (J.R.), Averell and Nicholas Rennie and her nephews Lindsey, Don, Matt and Jim Johnstone and families.

Lots of appreciation to loving caregiver Camisha, and for the support and compassion from the Memorial Hospice staff. A remarkable Wife, Mom, Grandma & Aunt, she will be missed in our lives, our Monday night family dinners, but her love and memories will be forever in our hearts and souls.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your program of choice or to the American Legion Post #36 (1120 N 34th Ave), the Alzheimer’s Assoc. of Washington, Yakima Tennis Club, or Yakima Young Life.

“This is my swan song, I’ll let you know. I’ll give you a recap blow by blow. We didn’t do much outstanding to tax the brain and be demanding. But we’ve had fun and will gather to know, how many will show, even in the snow. If only I could have made it to ninety seven, no that’s ok. I love you all and I’ll see to in Heaven.” -Gen

At mom’s request a reception party will be made at a later date. Her direct quote: “I want fun people there”.