Genevieve (Jean) Natishan, formerly of Kingston, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, May 25, 2014, in Bentonville, Ark. She graced this world for 95 years.
Jean was born in Larksville on June 13, 1916, to Stephen and Katherine Halat. She went to Kingston High School where she finished her sophomore year, then began working at the Liberty Silk Mill to help support her family.
She married Paul Natishan on April 10, 1950, while Paul was on a two-week leave from the Army. They were married until Paul's death on Sept. 23, 1982. She talked often of their Army postings and especially loved living in France and Salinas, Calif., and all of the wonderful friends she made and kept.
Jean was loving, compassionate and gracious and her home was always open to her family and many friends. She will be greatly missed.
Jean was a very active member at St. Hedwig's Parish over the years until 2005, when she moved to live with her daughter, Denise Natishan, in Rogers, Ark., and is fondly remembered by her family and friends as one of the "Pirogue Ladies"; nobody could pinch a pirogue better than Jean.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Paul; her mother and father; her sister, Bernadine; and her brother-in-law, Thomas Mogavero.
She is survived by her son, Paul Natishan and his wife, Theresa (Terry), Annapolis, Md.; her daughter, Denise Natishan, Rogers, Ark.; three grandchildren, Georgia Katherine, Ann Genevieve and Arthur Carleton; and her great-grandson, Alex, Annapolis, Md.
Jean's beautiful and giving spirit will be celebrated with calling hours from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday and from 7 to 9 a.m. Saturday at Kopicki Funeral Home, 263 Zerby Ave., Kingston.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday in St. Ignatius Loyola Church, Kingston, followed by an interment service at St. John's Russian Orthodox Cemetery, Pringle.
All attending are invited to a reception that will take place after the interment; details will be announced at the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in her name be made to the Karen Cuevas Educational Fund, Arvest Bank, P.O. Box 1670, Lowell, AR 72745. Karen is the nurse that helped care for Jean for the past nine years. It was her care, advice, love and support that allowed Jean to have a wonderful quality of life and remain in her home with dignity until her final days.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
May 30, 2014
Sue, Shawn and Jamison Currie
Denise, your mom was such a bright, beautiful light and precious gift to this world. Your words about her touched our hearts. We will treasure our special memories of her. We will be with you in spirit. Much love to you and your family. xo
May 30, 2014
Patricia Nuovo
Sending love to all the Natishan family...
May 29, 2014
Donna Pontrello
Denise, Thinking of you and Paul and your mother; such a sweet lady, just like you.
May 29, 2014
Bill Romanowski
Paul and Denise. I'm so sorry for your loss. The piece in the Times Leader captures your mother's long life with such a personal touch. Will keep you in my prayers.
May 29, 2014
Tim Lindgren
Denise... I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I'm glad I had the opportunity of meeting your mom. She was very special and I wanted to offer my sincere condolences to you and the Natishan family. Take care.
May 28, 2014
Nadine Alex
Dear Denise. I'm so sad to hear of Jean's passing. She was so very precious and such a special patient, especially given our common ancestry from the Ukraine, and her similarities to my mother. Sadly, my mother just died on Mon, at the age of 94. They were like two peas in a pod. They might get to know each other in heaven. I'll never forget sweet Jean.
May 28, 2014
Lynn Williamson
So sorry to hear of your loss. Please, know that you all are in my prayers.
May 28, 2014
Jeff Inlow
Denise: We are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Jeff and Michelle
May 28, 2014
Roger Yarbrough
Denise and Paul, our family grieves with you. Jean was a wonderful person who brightened the lives of every person she touched. We are blessed to have known her and continued to be blessed with your friendship.
May 28, 2014
joe and anne niezgoda
we were a very close family and spent many years together...our mother anna niezgoda from larksville was a sister to jean's mother, katherine...jean will really be missed...we loved her dearly and she was always an ultra soecial relative...we cannot come to the funeral since we are tied up at our local church in allentown...we will be there spiritually....our special love to denise and paul
May 28, 2014
Danita Gaddy
Paul, Denise and Terry,
My prayers are with you. May God strengthen your family. What a blessing to have had an Angel amongst you for 95 years.
May 28, 2014
Debbie Fataicher Silinski
Dear Denise and Paul,
Words can not express the sadness in my heart upon seeing the news of your mom's passing. I have so many wonderful memories of your mom and dad and their hospitality to all. May she rest in peace.
May 28, 2014
Mike Whittington
Prayers are with you Denise and family - we are thinking of you during this time
May 28, 2014
Kaye & Larry Hudak
Our hearts go out to the family - she was truly a lovely lady.
May 28, 2014
Very sorry for your loss to Denise and Paul. What a good life she had...
May 28, 2014
Michelle Young
Our deepest sympathy - She was a wonderful lady, whos home was always open and welcoming - loved her smile it lit up the room. Those smiles are reflected in her children - And she was a true lady in every sense- Love you so Aunt Jean.
Michelle and Family
May 28, 2014
Ed Thomas
Dear Paul and Denise. My sympathy to you in the loss of your wonderful Mother. Her cookies were the best too. What good memories you will have of her long life. Now she is with your Dad. I often think of you and I will be thinking of you now at this time.
May 27, 2014
Sheila Nachlis
My sincere condolences to you Denise and Paul. I have vivid and fond memories of your mother when I was teaching at Church Street. May the love and pride you gave her give you solace.
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