Marie Therese Geneste, 97, passed away on Friday, December 27, 2024 to be with her loving husband in heaven.
Marie was born in Paris, France to her parents, Fernant & Madeline Couillault. She married the love of her life, Yves Rene Geneste, on July 5, 1955 and had three children: Catherine, Pearl, and her only son, Philip.
Marie attended high school in France and attended a professional school to become an executive secretary while working at Raphael’s of Paris, a high fashion shop. She then married her love from childhood, Yves Rene Geneste, who was then enlisted in the USAF and soon accepted into Officer Candidate School. She relocated to the USA and became a US-Citizen. She was a military wife and stayed home to raise their wonderful 3 children. She spent her time supporting her husband’s officer functions and being involved in her local church activities.
After 23 years as a military wife, she followed her husband as he returned to school to complete his master’s degree at Colorado College in Pueblo, Colorado. The whole family then went to France for one year, then returned to the US to Fort Collins, CO. where Marie worked part time as a nanny for 14 years.
When her husband retired for the 2nd time, they moved to Virginia in 1989 to be closer to family in Europe. She settled in Newport News with her husband and son, and attended Denbigh Church of God, now known as the World Outreach Worship Center (WOW).
Marie enjoyed shopping, collecting recipes & cooking, entertaining groups, along with telling others about Jesus and what the Lord had done in her and her family’s lives. She loved decorating the house and garden to be an oasis, while she continued to enjoy being a part time nanny to many wonderful children, had tutored many students in French, and enjoyed the local French club and hosting gatherings and dinners. She was involved in many church activities and the prison visitation ministry.
In her words: “We gave our hearts and lives to our Lord early in the start of our family. God gave me great love for everyone around me, and I love everyone with the love of Jesus and wanted to share His love.” As I have passed on into heaven, may my Lord’s grace, mercy, and love always be with all my family and friends.” – Marie
She leaves behind a legacy of family to include:
Her three children: two daughters and one son, Catherine, Pearl, Philip
With a legacy of five generations, several who are missionaries.
Four grandchildren with eight great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.
She took great joy in knowing that her legacy is growing and carries on.
We will all miss you “Grandmomy”.
The family will receive friends from 11:00 – 12:00 Noon on Thursday, January 9, 2025 at World Outreach Worship Center in Newport News, VA. A Memorial Service will immediately follow at the church.
