Kathleen Lucille "Kay" Genge SERVICE UPDATE

Kathleen (Kay) Genge
September 24, 1922 - February 20, 2024

Our sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of the late Kathleen Lucille Genge who passed away on Tuesday, February 20th 2024 at the age of 100.

Kathleen (or Kay as she was known to most) was one of eleven children of Charles Obed Ernst (1894-1952) and Annie Loretta (Hyson) Ernst (1896-1947).

Kay lived all of her 101 years of life in Mahone Bay, with most of those years being in the same house she occupied until her passing this year. At a young age Kay became both a single mother and caregiver to her siblings after her parents passed. The love and care she gave to those around her would continue all her life.

In 1953 she married Robert (Bob) Genge, a shipwright and carpenter from Glovertown, Newfoundland. He would remain by her side until his passing in 1995. Kay and Bob were always surrounded by family and friends. Card parties, trips to Florida and Newfoundland, dances, dinners and countless summers at their cottage on Big Mush-a-Mush Lake produced many lifelong memories. After Bobs passing in 1995, Kay continued to be an active member of her community and the strength and resilience she gained at a young age would continue to keep her going well into the later years of her life.

Kay was very athletic throughout her life; Bob had built a large wall cabinet in their den to display her many trophies. She played badminton, softball and bowling, but it was her passion for curling that brought her the most joy. Curling, family and friends. She was an active member of the Lunenburg Curling Club where she competed until the age of 85. She only stopped playing the game when throwing the rocks from the hack became too difficult. Anyone who knew Kay knew that she refused to use "that stick" to help throw rocks, and when it was suggested that she switch to playing Skip to reduce the amount of sweeping... well, she wouldn't have that. She was competitive, and if she couldn't perform at the position and level that she was accustomed to, it was time to hang up the slider and pack away the broom. Kay would faithfully watch curling on TV, and it was not uncommon to see the light from her TV shining late in the evening through the window when a game was being played. She was known to have yelled at the TV once or twice and there is a rumour that she actually attempted to slap Russ Howard through the screen during a heated match.

Kay was also known for her cooking and baking. Her Honey Crinkle cookies, Parker House rolls, Whole Wheat and French bread were always a hit at any gathering and it was common for her to host many meals in her tiny kitchen; even at the age of 101 she would still invite Donnie and Beverly over for the occasional supper.

Kay is survived by her son, Donald Ernst (Beverly); daughter, Patricia Oickle (Sammy); grandchildren, Paula Snider and Richard Ernst (Jennifer); great grandchildren, Lauren, Katie, Zachary and Bradyn; brothers Alfred and Warren (Jackie); sister, Jackie and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Robert and siblings, Evangeline, Obed, Frederick, Frank, Margaret, Dorothea and Paul.

The family would like to thank the staff of Fishermens Memorial Hospital in Lunenburg, Remember When Homecare and EHS for their assistance and caring during this difficult time.

A private graveside interment will be held this spring.

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE WILL BE HELD THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024 at 2 p.m. AT ST. JOHN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 89 EDGEWATER STREET, MAHONE BAY.

Donations in memory of Kay can be made to Hope for Wildlife, SHAID Tree Animal Shelter or St. John’s Lutheran Church in Mahone Bay.

Cremation and arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Mahone Funeral Home, P.O. Box 200, 32 Parish St., Mahone Bay, NS B0J 2E0 (902-624-8241). Online condolences may be sent to the family and by visiting: www.mahonefuneral.ca