Genevieve F. Harwood

HARWOOD, GENEVIEVE FISHER (age 89) of Arlington, VA, died on Mother’s Day, May 14, 2017, of respiratory failure after a lengthy illness. Her passing was peaceful and at home, surrounded by loved ones. Gen was born July 12, 1927, in Superior, Nebraska. After high school graduation, she moved to Washington, D.C. to work for the federal government. She roomed with three other young women in a row house that was next door to the home of Bill Harwood. Gen and Bill fell in love and were married October 1, 1949. They had been married for almost 55 years at the time of Bill’s death in September 2004 and had been residents of Arlington County that entire time. After a brief tenure with the federal government, Gen spent most of her career working in the fields of real estate and the mortgage loan industry. She became an active member and officer of Beta Chi sorority and spent decades bowling duckpin on Northern Virginia teams. Gen was exceptionally proud of her tap dancing abilities, an art that she learned in childhood. Gen was a passionate Washington Redskins fan, rooting for the Skins and any other team that played Dallas. She was also an avid fan of Nebraska football [“Go Big Red!”] and the Washington Nationals. Above all else, Gen enjoyed spending time with family, particularly her devoted grandchildren Casey and Brian. Gen will be remembered for her sense of humor, kindness, big heart, and fun-loving nature. Gen was predeceased by husband Bill [John W.] Harwood, brothers Clayton, Burton, Keith and Kenneth Fisher, sisters Jean Chisholm, Elizabeth Cooley and Janice Black. She is survived by daughters Karen J. Harwood of Centreville, Catherine H. Lafferty and son-in-law Gary A. Lafferty of Annandale, granddaughter Casey Lafferty and grandsons Brian and Scott Lafferty. Also survived by a host of other relatives and friends. Many thanks to the folks at Capital Caring Hospice who were a huge help over the past several months. Family will be present to receive friends at Murphy Funeral Home, 4510 Wilson Blvd., Arlington 22203 on Friday, May 19, 2017, from 4 pm to 8 pm. A memorial service will be held at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 825 S. Taylor St., Arlington 22204 on Saturday, May 20, 2017, at 1:30 pm. with internment at National Memorial Park, 7482 Lee Hwy., Falls Church 22042 immediately following. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network (A-SPAN, www.a-span.org ).