Genevieve and I were art teachers at West Springfield High School in the 1960’s and 70’s. During our time there, West Springfield took in more art awards than any high school in the metropolitan area. We had a team of 5 art teachers and each of us excelled in our particular field of expertise. Genevieve was a master painter and later a printmaker. The last time I went to visit Genevieve was about 2020. She was already at least 100 years old and I couldn’t get over her stamina! We talked from 10:00 in the morning till 4:00 in the afternoon! Genevieve had a joy for life and she loved people. She was a “one of a kind “ type of person. I will miss her. May she rest in peace.

Aunt Jenny with Juls at 1812 art show May 2021

In May of 2021, Genevieve donated 41 of her paintings and prints to Covenant Village Retreat (covenantvillage.org) for a fundraiser to help the retreat center recover financially from the effects of COVID-19.   Genevieve and her son, Steve, attended the "Capture the Outdoors" event which celebrated her 101st birthday and a lifetime of artistic achievement.   We treasure this memory of her generosity and vitality as she spoke about her painting and printmaking endeavors.

Her patience is incomparable as she demonstrates the authentic love she has for the process of art-making and the creativity that is within every person. Yay-Boh!

When  it was possible, we collaborated on projects at her home studio. The transference of knowledge to our students was priceless! From generation, from multiple skill levels...everyone left feeling a sense of accomplishment.

Spending an afternoon with her Thursday afternoon Printmaking group was sheer delight. The support each lady provided one another's projects, and the stories they told, were wonderful examples of their adventurous memories and zeal for Life!

During our visit last month, she was preparing to ship new works to two upcoming exhibitions. With blue paint on her fingers, I listened as she explained her artistic intentions. Priceless!

Whether on the phone or in person, she was always making things happen for the good. She opened many doors as wide as a reflection of her heart.

What a blessing Genevieve has been for so many, including me. The moment she rolled into the Leisure World art studio and asserted that I should tell her all about myself, I knew she was definitely a brave phenomenal woman! Over the years, we have chatted, laughed, expressed concerns, and prayed for the many students we have had the privilege to teach. My deepest condolences to the family, especially her Grandson, of whom she spoke so fondly. That kind of loyalty and devotion is in her DNA that can unify one generation to another. Genevieve’s life reflects the power that Faith and Love for all God’s Family is a precious gift worth keeping and inspires others to teach and create beautiful worlds and memories. Thank you, dear friend, for all you have done that continues to inspire others for the good of all. Amen.
Reverend Sharon Lee Minor King, Ph.D.

This "selfie" during Genevieve's exhibition, with her friend and gallery owner Andrei Kushnir, captures a frequent subject of Genevieve's work, the carousel.  Genevieve's joy of life and sense of humor were a blessing to all who knew her.

During her one artist exhibition at American Painting Fine Art, Washington, DC, in 2020, Genevieve welcomed her son Steve Roberts and wife Mei.

Genevieve's spirit and original vision resulted in a body of work any artist would be proud to have created. It was my pleasure to honor her work with an exhibition of her paintings and prints in 2020.  Many of her Washington Society of Landscape Painters artist friends stopped by to congratulate her, including Lida Stifel, and Genevieve's dear friend and neighbor, Mimi Hegler.

My condolences to the family and to the MPSGS. Maroulla

Genevieve was such an inspiration and motivator to all of us who knew her.  She was a wonderful teacher, friend and artist.  
Her longevity is proof that making art enables us to live longer and happier lives. 
My deepest sympathy to her family in their loss.  
Sincerely,
Deborah Wolfe

OBITUARY

Genevieve Ruth Roberts

May 16, 1920 – April 1, 2024

Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home

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