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Genevieve Figel Obituary

Genevieve Lucille Figel
(11/18/1925 - 9/3/2013)
Once upon a time (actually, it was February 23, 1952) Genevieve Lucille Lanigan married Robert Charles Figel, even though he was a Republican. Despite epic spoon-flinging election year 'discussions' and a profound aversion to hugging, the next six decades produced ten children, nine sons-and-daughters-in-law, twenty-nine grandchildren (plus assorted partners), and three great- grandchildren, and deeply affected the lives of many more.
Genevieve was born on November 18, 1925 in Symerton, Illinois. Growing up as one of James and Mary Lanigan's thirteen children meant Gen was always delighted to have company. All a stranger had to do was knock on the door and say, "Hi, I'm your cousin," and they'd be sitting at the table eating dinner while she evicted some child from the "guest" bedroom. As time went on, her children became the guests, followed by their children. Without fail, the end of every visit was marked by Bob and Gen walking their guests to the car, making one last joke (no hugs!), and waving until the car was out of sight.
What was her secret? A lot of patience and generosity, a lot of Baileys, and a bottomless capacity for love. On Monday, September 9, we will commemorate, honor, and give thanks for the lessons of Genevieve's 87 years. Rosary will be at 10:30AM followed by services at 11:00AM, at St. Anthony Parish, 2110 North San Antonio Avenue, Upland, CA 91784. (Funeral arrangements: Phill Hunt of Coastal Funeral Services, (714) 638-1112).
In lieu of flowers or contributions, please raise a glass of Baileys in her memory. No hugging.

Published by Daily Bulletin on Sep. 6, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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What woman, with ten kids, would be willing to take in strays as easily as Genny Figel did and make them feel so welcome? There is no other woman that I've met.
Genny Figel was such a hospitable and friendly person. Otherwise, why would she take in Susan and John and their one-month-old daughter Ginny after they crossed two-thirds of the country and landed homeless in San Jose, on their way to Castle Air Force Base? Only a kind and caring woman, aided and abetted by an equally kind husband, would do this.
I forget which of the kids had to vacate their beds so that Susan and John could have places to sleep those first few weeks before John found a miniscule apartment in Merced, but they did so cheerfully. That's another thing Genny nurtured in her home, cheerfulness. All the kids seemed cheerful, willing to help around the house, especially making dinners that would feed a minimum of a dozen people, not counting guests. That cheerfulness must have come naturally, because I don't remember a time in Genny's home when I wasn't smiling or laughing, usually because of something Genny said.
And then after Genny and Bob left California and returned to the Golden State, they had the courage to tell the Spevak family their new address in Upland. Before long five Spevaks descended, including two teenagers (Ginny and Mike) and a young girl named Megan. But once again Genny made sure there was always room and enough food for all of us.
Among the experiences I looked forward to when visiting Bob and Genny were the conversations. They both asked good questions and explored provocative topics, and I would usually find Genny and Bob on different sides of the same topic, which inspired everyone else to jump in with their ideas, creating a wondrous conversational free-for-all. All ten of the Figel kids are unique (as well as caring) individuals; I think much of their individuality was due to discussions which allowed for all points of view.
In the last few years, when I would stop by and visit 1843 Balboa Avenue, Genny and Bob continued to greet me with hospitality and cheerfulness. Bob was a little quieter than in the old days, but Genny was as lively and engaging as ever. And, as always, she was willing to accept my gift of a bottle of white wine, which we immediately opened and shared. (I was glad Genny and Bob were never averse to civilized forms of alcohol, like wine, martinis, and Bailey's.)
For more than 40 years Genny Figel brightened my life whenever I encountered her. I know she will continue to brighten it, whenever I hear in my memory her voice saying, “John, come on in” or her laughter while sharing a humorous anecdote about her family or mine. I am grateful for the blessing of having known Genny Figel and having experienced her joy and her love.
John Spevak

John Spevak

September 8, 2013

i remember going to church with eileen and sitting in the pew behind her. i had a feeling she was always keeping one eye on us to make sure we were behaving. i am so sorry for your family's loss. the obituary was nicely written.

Cris Cabacungan

September 7, 2013

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