Genevieve Sechrist

In Loving Memory of Genevieve Sechrist

April 3, 1922 – September 22, 2026

Genevieve Sechrist passed away peacefully on September 22, 2026, at the remarkable age of 104. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and the heart of a family who will forever cherish her memory.

Genevieve was born on April 3, 1922, in the small town of Mt. Union, Pennsylvania, to the late Ettore DeVecchis and Gilda Giardine. Her parents were Italian immigrants who came to America in 1913, bringing with them the traditions, recipes, values, and deep love of family that Genevieve would carry throughout her own life.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, David Charles Sechrist; her parents; and her six siblings, Helen Hunt, Enis Mowen, Jean DeJenno, Wilson, Philip, and Samuel.

In 1945, Genevieve married the love of her life, David Charles Sechrist, a handsome young man in his WWII uniform. Together they raised two sons, David Arthur (Susan) and Ronald Lee (Merry), and built a family whose love would continue to grow for generations. Their marriage was filled with love and countless memories until David's passing in 1984.

Genevieve was blessed with five grandchildren—Tony, Nick (Portia), David (Kirsten), Joe, and Chase (Shawn)—and eleven great-grandchildren: Isaiah, Sage, Araceli, Norah, Jack, Gwenyth, Elliana, Samuel, Kaiah, Erik, and Oliver. Her family was her greatest joy, and she made sure they always knew how deeply they were loved.

Her home was a place of warmth and welcome, where family and friends could always expect a smiling face, an open door, and the wonderful aromas coming from her kitchen. Genevieve was an exceptional cook, and her Italian dishes were eagerly enjoyed by everyone fortunate enough to gather around her table. Her spaghetti was legendary, and many family members will forever associate Sunday nights with Spaghetti Night at Grandma Genevieve's.

Families birthdays, holidays, and countless family gatherings were celebrated at Genevieve's home. She treasured those occasions and the simple happiness of having her family together. For her, a house filled with children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, laughter, stories, and good food was exactly where she wanted to be. Her family believes that this was a true testament to her longevity of life.

She enjoyed visiting her son David and his family in Denver and traveling with friends and family to many states. One of her special journeys was a trip to Italy, where she had the opportunity to visit her parents' hometown of Ascoli Piceno and experience a meaningful connection to the heritage her parents had brought with them to America.

One of the family's most treasured traditions was making their famous stuffed Italian olives,

Le Olive Ascolane, each Christmas. Genevieve and her son Ron, along with children and grandchildren, would gather around an assembly line to prepare the olives using the family recipe passed down from her mother. The recipe, still made and celebrated today in Ascoli Piceno, became part of Genevieve's own family legacy—a delicious reminder that the love and traditions of one generation can live on in the next.

Genevieve's life was long, but more importantly, it was full. She was surrounded by the people she loved, and she gave them something that will remain long after her passing: a beautiful example of devotion to family, the importance of tradition, and the joy found in bringing people together.

She will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved her. Her beautiful smile, her welcoming home, her laughter, her cooking, and the love she poured into her family will remain in their hearts. Though her chair at the family table will be empty, her recipes will still be made, her traditions will continue, and her stories will be told.

Her family will carry her love forward, one generation to the next.

Genevieve's greatest legacy is the family she loved so deeply—and the love she taught them to share.

Funeral Services

For family and close friends, a viewing will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, October 26, 2026, followed by Mass at 10:30 a.m. in the small chapel at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 790 26 1/2 Road, Grand Junction, Colorado 81506.

Genevieve will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, David, at Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2830 Riverside Parkway, Grand Junction, Colorado.

In Lieu of Flowers

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions be made in Genevieve's memory to HopeWest Hospice, 3090 N 12th St, Grand Junction, CO.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate team at HopeWest Hospice for the loving care, comfort, and dignity they provided to Genevieve and her family during her final days. We are also deeply grateful to the wonderful caretakers and staff at The Fountains of Hilltop, whose kindness, patience, and loving care meant so much to Genevieve and to all who loved her.

Their compassion and dedication will always be remembered with sincere gratitude.