Gina Maynes

Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, we gather today not to mourn but to rejoice in the homegoing of Sister Gina, a woman who walked the earth in such love and kindness, it touched everyone she met, especially in her hometown of Glendale, Arizona. Born in 1958 as the fourth of ten children (yes, ten!), she was the oldest of five sisters and a proud graduate of Glendale High School, where she forged meaningful, heartfelt friendships that were lifelong.

Gina, also known as GG to her grandchildren, wasn’t just a daughter of Glendale; she was a daughter of God. Her greatest joy in life was her faith—a steadfast love for the Lord that guided every step she took. As a cherished member of the praise and worship team, she loved singing to the congregation, sharing the sweet melodies of hymns with a passion that lifted spirits and brought people closer to the Lord. Her faith wasn’t just something she practiced; it was the core of who she was, an anchor that kept her steady through life’s storms.

But her love for God was closely followed by her love for family. She raised three incredible children—Angela, Alicia, and Nick—instilling in them the same strength, compassion, and resilience that defined her. And oh, how she adored her grandchildren, her “buggies”: Santino aka “Sonny Bunny” to GG, (23), Cameron (21), Lauren (16), Allison (12), Austin (11), Emanuella aka “Ella Bella” to GG (6), and Joah (4). Watching them grow was a source of deep pride and joy for Gina, and she cherished every moment she spent with them.

Let’s not forget, Gina also fostered a great love for people. Gina had a natural ability to connect with others, especially through her work with children with disabilities and her weekly volunteer efforts at the church. She had a genuine interest in every person she met, making each one feel valued and loved.

Sister Gina had a love for life that was contagious. She cherished her ‘69 Mustang, loved the color hot pink, and enjoyed popping her gum. She found peace in the Oregon woods by the lakes and rivers, places where she felt closest to God’s creation. She also had a special fondness for owls, collecting countless owl-themed items that brought her joy. Her circle of friends was wide, and she made sure to keep in touch, often chatting it up to the wee hours of the morning. She would ensure no one ever felt forgotten or alone.

So today, we don’t say goodbye. Instead, we say, “See you later!” because we know Sister Gina is up there right now, walking the streets of the sky, probably singing “Amazing Grace,” sneaking a piece of heavenly pie, and praising the Lord with all her might. Let us celebrate her life with the same joy and love she brought to ours. Rest easy, Gina. We’ll meet you in the morning, and when we do, we know you’ll have a song in your heart, a smile on your face, and open arms to welcome us. Amen.

A visitation will be held at West Resthaven Funeral Home, located at 6450 West Northern Ave, Glendale, Arizona, 85301, on February 6, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

The Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, situated at 5614 West Orangewood Avenue, Glendale, Arizona, 85301, on February 7, 2025, at 11:00 am.