Genevieve Hafer

Born on October 13, 1930, to Joseph G. and Agnes (Savage) Henry, Genevieve was one of four children raised on the family farm on the Bagdad Road in Potsdam. Her siblings included Mary (Hourihan), Joseph J., and Patricia (Reff). She attended school in Potsdam and would later tell her grandchildren about having to walk to and from school each day. She admitted to stealing nice cold sap out of the buckets hanging on maple trees along the way each spring. From an early age Gen had a deep appreciation for nature and the beauty that it brings. She found joy in gardening, observing the birds, quietly sitting by the pond, or painting a landscape view.

After high school, Gen attended the Teacher’s College (SUNY Potsdam) to obtain her teaching certificate. It was there that she met Paul Egan Hafer who was a young member of the faculty and was teaching science courses. Soon after, the two were married on June 27, 1953. The date was significant as it was the same day that Gen’s parents had married in 1927.

Paul (“Doc”) and Gen welcomed their first child, Paul Joseph (“PJ”) in 1954 and then their second, Marcy, a year later. They then had Matthew, Laurel, and Edward “Ted” who completed the family in 1965. Doc and Gen continued to share all that nature has to offer with their children as they would pack everyone into the Volkswagen bus and take family trips to camp and hike the Adirondack peaks.

The family lived on Pierrepont Ave in Potsdam until the SUNY Potsdam campus began to expand and their property was purchased by the college. Paul and Gen took the opportunity to relocate a few miles outside of the village, and with the help of their children, built their home on what affectionately became known as “Hafer Hill”.

As their family later grew, both Matt and Laurie built their own homes on the Hill and Gen’s role expanded to devoted grandmother. She always welcomed her grandchildren into her home, but Fridays during the summer months became extra special as she perfected a menu of homemade pizza, grilled cheese sandwiches and enough brownies to feed a small army. A family occasion was not finished until Grandma’s “special mocha” was dished out!

Gen was a longtime member of St. Mary’s Parish in Potsdam. She spent many years hand sewing the banners and maintaining the flowers that adorned the church each week. She volunteered a considerable amount of time at St. Mary’s School before it’s closure and also served as a long-time election official. Gen was an advocate for mental health and participated with Triad and the Mental Health Alliance for many years.

Gen was predeceased by her parents and siblings, as well as her beloved husband, Paul, and three of her children, PJ, Laurie (James Thompson), and Ted (Jessica Greene). She is survived by her children Marcy (Will Thomas) and Matthew (Mary Kay). She leaves behind a growing family of eleven grandchildren: Laurel Premo, Caitlyn Thomas, Tommiann Russell, Genevieve Lavoie, Kallie Whalen, Robert Ramsay, Elizabeth Taylor, Anne Ramsay, Jack Hafer, Madelyn Thompson, and Paulina Hafer) and twelve great-grandchildren. Her devoted children enabled Gen to remain in her own home until the end, as was her wish. Marcy and Matt’s dedication in recent years allowed her to stay comfortable and surrounded by her loved ones. The family would also like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Linda, Betty, Sue, and Mona who each cared for Gen as if she was their own mother and made staying at home possible.

Genevieve’s life was a testament to quiet strength, enduring love, and a deep appreciation for the simple beauty of the world around her. Her legacy lives on in the family she nurtured, the home she built, and the countless lives she touched.

Arrangements will be handled by Garner Funeral Service in Potsdam. Calling hours will be at Garner Funeral Service, Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 2 to 4pm with a spring burial to follow later this year at St. Mary's Cemetery, Potsdam. In Lieu of flowers, please consider making donations in Gen's memory to the Indian Creek Nature Center (PO Box 286, Canton, NY 13617) or Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley (6805 US Hwy 11, Potsdam, NY 13676).

Condolences for the family may be left at garnerfh.com.