Genevieve Q. Dallaire

Born in Providence, she was a daughter of the late Michael and Pearl (Toomajanian) Torigian and sister of the late Marion Malian.

Genevieve was the beloved mother of Lauren Micciantuono and her husband Jeffrey, and Genna Cookson and her husband Michael; cherished grandmother of Alexa and Jason Micciantuono, and Joshua and Nathaniel Cookson; loving aunt of George (Christine) and Michael Malian. She also leaves behind her grand-puppy, Daisie.

Genevieve, the daughter of survivors of the Armenian Genocide was extremely proud of her heritage. Working at her father’s tailor shop on Smith Hill, she learned the values of hard work and family from her parents and modeled her life after their example. Upon her graduation from Mount Pleasant High School in 1952, she went on to work at Coro Jewelry, and later, Alice Jewelry.

Marriage followed and motherhood called to her. For several years, she focused on raising her two daughters. She eventually returned to work serving as a secretary in the Providence School System for a couple of years. Finally, in 1983, Genevieve acquired what she considered her most fulfilling position: working for whom she described as more of a friend than a boss at the Education Alliance at Brown University. She retired just shy of 25 years at Brown. As a mom who wanted to provide the best for her children, she also sacrificed her evenings by working a second job at Citizens Bank.

Genevieve answered to many names: Mom, Grandma, Auntie, Genev, Gen, Momma Gen, and Mamala. A true example of kindness, generosity, acceptance, grace, strength, and love, she opened her home and her heart to all who were blessed to know her. She embraced her faith in Christ at a young age while attending church with her family. It became a guiding force throughout her life.

Her love of music began at an early age, learning to play piano and then playing the organ for the choir during church services at Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church. She enjoyed her keyboard well into her eighties. Her favorite quote about music was, “When words fail, music speaks.” Genevieve’s taste in music was eclectic. On any given day, she might have been listening to Neil Diamond, ABBA, Linda Ronstadt, Andrea Bocelli, Onnik Dinkjian, or even Guns N’ Roses, or Bret Michaels!

Other activities that brought her pleasure included crocheting, sewing, painting, baking, cooking (especially Armenian foods!), gardening, trips to Foxwoods with her sister, and relaxing at the beach. She was also an avid animal lover. Her heart melted the most for dogs!

However, what gave her the most joy was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. They were truly the reason she breathed. She always called her daughters her angels, but now she is theirs. All for one and one for all, we will always be the Three Musketeers.

Thank you to the staff at Briarcliffe Gardens who were entrusted with our mother’s care for the last year. We are grateful for the love and compassion shown to her during her time there.

We would also like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the attentive nurses, especially Michele, and Dr. Manzo of Continuum Care Hospice for their dedicated and gentle care of our mother. Lastly, we would like to thank Johnna, her nurse during her stay at Roger Williams Medical Center. She went above and beyond to make sure our mom was comfortable.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 6th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. with her funeral on Friday, February 7th 9:45 a.m. in the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 331 Smith Street, Providence. Her funeral service will be held Friday at 11:00 a.m. in Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church, 402 Broadway, Providence. Burial will follow in North Burial Ground, Providence.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Guiding Eyes for the Blind at www.guidingeyes.org or to the Macular Degeneration Association at www.macularhope.org