Genon Lenore Fredericks

April 17, 1920 - February 05, 2010

She loved people, and taking care of them was an expression of who she was

Genon died peacefully at her residence, Heritage Court, in Everett, Washington. She retained her quick wit and sense of humor until near the end. She also recognized her children, even though nearly everything else had faded away.

Genon was born in Yarrow, B.C. to U.S. citizens. Her father, Wells H. Smith, was a trombone player and bandleader in the Wenatchee and Okanogan Valleys for many years. He worked for the Department of Agriculture. Her mother, whose last name was O’Donnell, died of T.B. when Genon was 2 years old. She was raised by her stepmother, Lillian, and grew up with her two step-brothers, Jack and Gene and her beloved half-brother, Teddy (he died after being shot down over Germany in 1945). The family lived in Wenatchee, where Genon learned to swim in the Columbia River. She became quite accomplished at swimming and gymnastics. She also loved Art and English. She graduated from Wenatchee High School in 1938.

Genon had a son, Jackie, in 1943. Though she gave him up for adoption, she kept him in her heart. She and John Fredericks were married in 1945 in Seattle. They had three children together. Divorced in 1965, she lived alone and supported herself by working in the healthcare industry… she loved people, and taking care of them was an expression of who she was. She also loved Country Western music, especially when performed by Willy Nelson. Despite living with manic-depressive disorder most of her adult life, she lovingly cared for her children, grandchildren, and others who needed her (including animals). Miraculously, the illness lost much of its hold on her in her final years.

Genon is survived by her three children: Esther, Ted, and Dennis. She has five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, with a ninth on the way.

Funeral Information

A memorial service will be held to celebrate Genon's life at the home of Aaron Sprinkle, her grandson, on Sunday, February 21. For more information about the memorial or in order to contact the family, email tedfredericks @gmail.com.

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