Genevieve McElwee

Genevieve McElwee was born on January 6, 1931, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. She grew up in Philadelphia, attending Catholic grade school and graduating from St. Hubert’s High School for Girls in 1949. Growing up she liked to do many activities like dancing, roller skating, and ice skating. She remained friends with a group of her High School girlfriends for nearly 60 years. In 1953 she married Harry Matthews. Soon after, in 1955, her firstborn was Deborah Ann, followed by Harry Michael in 1958.

She was a dedicated stay-at-home mom in the 1960s and early ’70s while she raised her children. She diligently provided for their needs in every way while having an active social and faith life. She returned to work in retail after the children left home working in sales in various departments at Strawbridge and Clothier – a large Philadelphia based retailer. She was married to Jim McElwee in 1976 until his passing in 1999.

Genevieve was a big Philly’s sports fan. She loved her hometown teams, the Phillies, as well as the Eagles, switching her allegiance to the Seahawks and Mariners only after she moved to Seattle in 2015. She enjoyed 5 years in the Pacific Northwest - living 3 years with Harry and Gisele and spending her final two years at Madison House, an assisted living community in Kirkland. While here, she made many new friends at her parish (Holy Family) and Madison House.

Gen was a simple woman whose life was centered on family, friends, and faith. She prayed the Rosary daily and was especially dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. EWTN was her favorite TV channel, that is, while she wasn’t watching baseball or football. She served at her parish in Philadelphia for many years in various volunteer positions helping with collections, kitchen duty, and was an involved member of the 50-Plus Club at the St Christopher’s parish church. The club was fun for her because they put on dance and entertainment shows and she loved to perform in the dances wearing costumes.

One thing that she especially loved in the last few years of her life, in addition to living with Gisele and Harry, Genevieve was able to have a deeper relationship with her three granddaughters who learned her life story and came to appreciate her strength, humor and resolve. Gen was a fighter and continuously bounced-back from numerous life-threatening injuries and ailments during the last 10 years of her life.

Genevieve passed away peacefully, after receiving spiritual Communion for the journey, on July 15, 2020, in the presence of her son Harry and his loving wife Gisele. She was 89 years old.

She is preceded in death by her beloved daughter Deborah, late husband Jim, and first husband Harry.

She leaves behind her loving son and daughter-in-law Harry and Gisele and her three granddaughters: Danielle, Kathleen and Sandra, and son-in-law Joe.

Her love and legacy will live on in her three great-grandchildren: Jacob, Benjamin, and Luz Celeste.

We will miss this loving woman, Genevieve. And we will treasure the memory of her deeply in our hearts, forever.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Seattle Archdiocese Called to Serve as Christ – a campaign for priests, sisters, and family of faith. More information about the campaign and a way to donate is listed at the weblink below:

https://www.calledtoserveaschrist.org/