Genevieve Elaine Harlan Greene

While it is possible to receive good counsel from a wide circle of family and friends, few could do it with the skill and aptitude of Genevieve Elaine Greene. She had a true talent for helping others reach their full potential and brought out the best in those who sought her help. Genevieve was a forward-looking woman whose personality was filled with empathy toward everyone she met. She could be quiet and reserved, but her style of communication was authentic and direct. An excellent communicator, Genevieve was a master at using imagery when she explained her ideas and concepts. She seemed to have an endless supply of innovative concepts and strategies for how to help those around her. Her sensitivity, kindness and generous attitude made her a wonderful friend for all who knew her.      From the time she was born on April 12, 1926, Genevieve showed a deep concern for others. She was a giving and caring individual, ethical and full of integrity and warmth. Her parents were William Thomas Harlan and Hazel May Harlan.      Because fellowship was so important to her, Genevieve promoted harmony with her siblings. She was raised with three siblings. She had two brothers, Thomas and Vernon and one sister Bonnie. Genevieve was something of the family diplomat. She helped to settle problems and conflicts and kept the family running smoothly.      A good student who was enthusiastic about learning, Genevieve was considered by many to be a high achiever. She graduated from Vancouver High School in 1944. She enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite courses and teachers.      Genevieve's talents in writing proved to be an asset for her during her college years. She excelled in classes, even in some subjects that didn’t particularly interest her. Genevieve became known to her peers as a seeker of wisdom who appreciated all types of courses, especially those in Liberal Arts which allowed her to build on her remarkable retention of general knowledge. She attended college for 2 years at Washington State College in Pullman.      Genevieve was romantic, even poetic at times. She was completely devoted to family and friends, able to show her emotions without going overboard about it. On July 7, 1950 Genevieve exchanged wedding vows with Bruce E.      All who knew her would agree that there was a certain kind of magic in how Genevieve was able to bond with her children. While she could be a firm disciplinarian, she could also fill the role of being a collaborator with her kids. Genevieve was always a mentor who helped her family reach its full potential. Genevieve was blessed with five children, three sons, David, Edward, and Roger, and two daughters, Sally and Janet.      Genevieve projected a subtle but positive influence in her workplace. She was comfortable working behind the scenes to help everyone get their job done, and she worked hard at all times to help others to reach their highest potential. While her colleagues did not view her as a high-spirited type, Genevieve was effective at working with others to gain acceptance for her ideas. Genevieve could be a perfectionist at times, but wasn’t one to seek out personal recognitions. She possessed excellent insight and a strong ability to meet schedules. She was an innovator who worked well independently, and she enjoyed the task of meeting a constant array of challenges. Her primary occupation was a bookkeeper. She was employed with Federal Old Line Insurance in Seattle before running the Church nursery school for several years. She later worked for the Alpine Animal Hospital, and Independent Pool and Spa.      As an imaginative and inventive person, Genevieve was comfortable showing her creative spirit. She enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Once Genevieve took on a new project, she saw it through to its completion. Her favorite pursuits were birdwatching and travel. She played the recorder and auto harp, and was an accomplished weaver and knitter. In her later years she enjoyed writing and crafts. She was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.      Genevieve was a woman with clear convictions and high principles, and her faith was important to her. She was an inspiration to many people who recognized her sense of commitment and esteem for others. She was a member of the Church of the Resurrection Episcopal Church for over 50 years. During that time, she was a member of the choir, ran the nursery school, and served on the Bishop's committee, as both Junior and Senior Warden.      As someone who treasured harmony and quiet, Genevieve accepted retirement and made the most of it. In retirement, she found new pleasure in writing and crafts, and staying active in her faith.      Genevieve passed away on December 28, 2009 at Overlake Hospital in Bellevue, Washington. She is survived by her children David, Edward, Sally, Janet and Roger. Services were held at Church of the Resurrection. Genevieve was laid to rest in Tahoma National Cemetery.      Though she could be a private person at times, Genevieve was always able and willing to give of herself. She was so in tune with others that she often seemed able to read their minds. Genevieve carried with her an almost mystical sense of life. She was a person who was highly original in her thinking and used metaphors and symbols to describe many aspects of her life. A poetic, intuitive “teacher”, Genevieve Elaine Greene shared herself freely and family and friends will remember Genevieve for the strength of her convictions.