Genovaite Breichmanas

Passed away on Tuesday, September 27th, 2016 in her 97th year. Predeceased by husband Petras Breichmanas (2010). Cherished mother of Gedas, Peter (Irene) Breichmanas and Giedre (Henry) Szpiech. Loving grandmother to Andrew Breichmanas, Laura (Joseph) Figliola, and Michael Szpiech. Great-grandmother to Julia and Noah Figliola. Also predeceased by sister Birute Stonkus and brothers Kestas and Vytas Dumcius.

Born in 1919 in Vilkaviskis, Lithuania, Genovaite, in her youth, developed a passion for folklore and dance. She graduated from Vilnius University in Humanities and in her student days founded and taught the university dance ensemble which celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2015. Forced to leave their homeland due to Soviet occupation, they eventually emigrated to Canada and soon settled in Hamilton. She quickly established the Hamilton Lithuanian Folk Dance Ensemble Gyvataras, which performed throughout Canada and the US and represented this community, this city and this country in concerts in Australia, Europe and South America. Mrs. B, as she was called by her scores of dancers, was recognized as a leading authority on Lithuanian folk dance and choreography, staging festivals with up to two thousand performers. Never short of energy, she worked in, and retired from, the accounting department of McMaster University Hospital. After 50 years of dance, she also retired from active teaching to develop computer skills in order to concentrate on writing several books and regularly contributing articles to various newspapers. Gene received many awards and was honoured in 2001 at a ceremony in Vilnius during which, the Lithuanian President bestowed upon her their highest medal for outstanding cultural achievement.

Energetic until the end, she will be missed by her family, friends and the many whose lives she touched. Special thank-you is extended to Catherine, for her friendship and support. Family and friends are welcome to Marlatt Funeral Home , 615 Main St. E., Hamilton, Ontario, on Tuesday, October 4th, 2016 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. with rosary at 7:00 p.m. Mass to be held at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 58 Dundurn St., Hamilton on Wednesday, October 5th, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. with burial to follow at St John’s Lithuanian Cemetery in Mississauga, Ontario.

Online condolences may be made at www.marlattfhhamilton.com.