Submitted by: Dan Rich

 

Genevieve E. Stephens

Oct. 17, 1917 - Feb. 1, 2008

 

South Bend Tribune 2/6/2008
SOUTH BEND - Genevieve E. Stephens, 90, died of natural causes on Friday, February 1, 2008, at Wood Ridge Assisted Living Center. She was born on October 17, 1917, to Theodor and Marianne (Jankowski) Cebulski, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her son, Terry Stephens in 1992, and by her siblings, Florence Cebulski, Gertrude Marko, Irene Bock, Loretta Mitts and twin brothers, Leonard and Theodore Cebulski. Surviving family members include sisters-in-law Dolores Cebulski and Mary Cebulski, a cousin, Joany Zsigrai, seven nieces and one nephew.

 

Genevieve was born in South Bend and lived here all her life. She graduated from Central High School in 1935. She retired from K-Mart after working there for many years. In her younger years Gennie enjoyed going out dancing with friends and talked of the fun she had at dance halls in Saint Joseph, MI, Chicago and Wisconsin. She fondly remembered the fancy dresses she made and being able to wear spiked heels. In later years, her recreation often consisted of taking the bus with her sister, Gertie, and "goin' bummin'". Gennie was a kind, hardworking person who could live on little and give a lot. She willingly and generously cared for others and, truly humble, always put herself last. Gennie had a terrific sense of humor and a quick wit that remained lively 'til the end. At age 90, with a gleam in her eye, she could still deliver perfectly timed one-liners.

 

There will be no visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 8, 2008, in Holy Cross Catholic Church. Entombment will follow in Highland Cemetery. The Welsheimer Family Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Cross or the donor's charity of choice.