Fayetteville, PA and The Villages, FL – Geneva Gellman passed away at home on July 9 at the age of 82. Born in Howland, Maine, she was the daughter of the late Harry and Virginia “Boofie” (Brown) McCann.
Geneva is survived by her son Jim of North Bend, WA and daughter Ginger and her husband Rob Bliss of Rutland, VT. She leaves behind her treasured Maine sisters and their families: Sally and Wayne Nickerson, Blandine and Fred Crosby, and Etta Penney, all of Passadumkeag; Margaret and Russ Roy of Hampden; and all the cousins, nieces, and nephews that make up the Brown Reunion clan. She was predeceased by sister Betty Clements; brothers-in-law Howard Clements, Tom Ware Sr., and Ron Morrell; nephew Tommy Ware and niece Karen Batchelder. She has three grandchildren and their families: Caitlin and Jesus Calderon of Shelburne, VT; Courtney and Bryce Crossman of Milton, VT; and Keegan Bliss of Somerville, MA.
Most importantly, Geneva looked forward to a joyful soul’s reunion with her husband of 52 years, Gene Gellman of White Plains, NY, who passed in 2019.
Supporting family and helping others was the love and purpose of Geneva’s life. She trained to be a doctor and then a teacher. Her heartfelt purpose came when she met Gene while working at Camp Wassookeag and soon they started a family. Geneva was the den mother for Jim’s cub scouts troop and made Ginger’s prom and wedding dresses. She baked platters of colorful cookies for Gene’s office. For many years, she sewed teddy bears – always to give, never to sell. She once paid $80 to ship a homemade apple pie across the country when her kids wouldn’t make it home for Thanksgiving.
Geneva loved flowers, books, shoes, big rings, sunglasses, sharp scissors, peanut butter cups, tiny bowls and dishes, and a good floral print. She was a fervent reader who loved her book group friends. She cherished the “widow ladies” who supported her after Gene passed. She loved fashion, including a yellow plaid pantsuit – with coordinating hat – that she wore into Manhattan while helping Gene launch his business in the 1970s.
With her petite stature and comforting manner, Geneva possessed an understated resilience that surprised those around her. She was a quiet survivor with a willingness to laugh at challenging circumstances. She followed her convictions and persevered without seeking attention. She wasn’t the loudest person in the room; instead she steadily and quietly got things done.
Geneva was giving, smart, stubborn, creative, inspired, curious, and good natured. We benefited from all of it and are blessed to have shared in her life.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Dirigo State (formerly Maine Girls State) or to Finally Home Senior Dog Rescue in Maine. The American Legion Auxiliary (Maine)Attn: Dirigo State, at 5 Verti Drive, Winslow, ME 04901-0727 (Choose “Dirigo State” dropdown: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=E5E3XEH4ENNM4). Finally Home Senior Dog Rescue, 616 New Gloucester Road, North Yarmouth, Maine 04097. (https://givebutter.com/finallyhomemaine)