Genevieve Whelan

Genevieve O'Donnell Whelan, 99, died Sunday at home surrounded by her loving family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles D. Whelan, on May 12, 1995.

Genevieve was born on Oct. 4, 1916, in Scranton to the late Joseph P. and Mary Farrell O'Donnell. She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Marywood College. After raising her six children, she began a teaching career at Lourdesmont High School, operated by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd in Clarks Summit.

Surviving are four sons, Joseph (Dorothy), Camp Hill; Paul (Julie), Scranton; Christopher, Surf City, N.C.; and Michael (Barbara), Knoxville, Tenn.; and daughter, Mary Whelan Grabski, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Daniel Whelan; and precious granddaughter, Kayla Grabski.

A lifelong member of St. Paul's parish in Green Ridge, Genevieve was a devout Catholic who lived her faith as a wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother to her large extended family. She was passionate about respecting life and caring for others. While raising her own family, she also cared for those in need, including providing a home for foster children, providing support for single mothers and volunteering for church activities. Genevieve taught CCD at St. Paul's school and continued to assist with classes well into her 90s. She was a longtime volunteer with Birthright of Scranton, providing assistance so that women had an alternative to abortion. She cared deeply for children and was pleased to be able to help mothers bring their children into the world.

Genevieve was immensely proud of her 11 grandchildren, Robert Whelan and Maria Whelan, Camp Hill, Pa.; Charles Whelan (Anna), Bellingham, Washington; Kathleen Quinn (Aaron), Ashburn, Virginia; Laura Chiles (Marshall), Smyrna, Georgia; Brian Whelan, Scranton; Kevin Whelan (Ashley), Scranton; Melissa Sariti (Eamon), Philadelphia; Paul Whelan, Brooklyn, N.Y.; Shane Grabski and Joseph Grabski, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Genevieve took great joy in her frequent visits with her 13 great-grandchildren.

Genevieve felt deeply about the importance of families. She made sure that her children spent holidays and vacations with their aunts, uncles and cousins. She treasured her many nieces and nephews. She was never happier than when she was surrounded by the families of her brother and sisters with everyone enjoying their time renewing friendships and starting new ones. She was the last surviving sibling of an outstanding family.

The family would like to acknowledge and thank Dr. Anees Fogley, who was Genevieve's physician for over 34 years. She greatly admired Dr. Fogley, appreciated his excellent care, and valued his friendship. Genevieve's sons would also like to thank their sister, Mary Grabski, who devoted the last five years of her life to the daily care of their mother. Mary's loving care enabled Genevieve to continue to live in the home where she raised her family and to spend her last years among her family, neighbors and friends in her beloved Green Ridge.

The funeral will be Friday from the Albert P. O'Donnell Funeral Home, 2025 Green Ridge St., Dunmore, with Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Paul's Church, 1510 Penn Ave., Scranton. Interment, St. Catherine's Cemetery, Moscow.

Friends may call Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Saint Joseph’s Center of Scranton or to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital.