Genevieve Mae Taormina, 95, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2024 at her Monaca home surrounded by her loving family.
Genevieve, who went by Gen, was the youngest child of the late Joseph N. and Bertha (Craven) Woods of Beaver Falls. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Phillip L. Taormina, her son, Randy P. Taormina, and her four older brothers. She is survived by her children: Terry (Margaret) Taormina, Rhonda (Jim) Kirkwood, and Tarla (Sam) Strohm, her daughter-in-law, Terri, her husband, Rob Postupac, her nine grandchildren: Marcus (Roxann) Taormina, Randy (Alisha) Taormina, Tara (Justin)Bickerstaff, Christie (Justin) LaPearle, Andrew, Matthew and Laura Kirkwood, and Loghan and Averie Strohm; one step-grandchild, Angela Manigault; and her 12 great-grandchildren: Aiden, Taylam and A’Ella Taormina, Gino and Lorenzo Taormina, Lexie, Connor, Zach, Addy and Emme Bickerstaff, and Alex and Tyler LaPearle. She also leaves numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
All who knew her were amazed by her quiet strength, determination, and independent spirit, especially following the deaths of her husband and son in back-to-back years. Just a few years later, she miraculously survived a bout with both pneumonia and meningitis, but after her recovery, Gen continued to live alone, by her choice, at her home until her passing. Much can be attributed to her deep faith. She never missed Mass, even faithfully watching every Sunday on TV after her age made it difficult for her to attend in person.
Genevieve also had a great sense of humor and quick wit. She often attributed her longevity to her husband Phillip. She loved to dance and was quite good. Her childhood dream was to be a Radio City Music Hall Rockette, and she bragged that she had the legs for it. Her favorite pastime was shopping, and she could often be found browsingthe aisles with her children in tow. Even after she could no longer get around much herself, she always knew exactly what she wanted to buy and where to find it. However, her greatest virtue was her unconditional love for her family and friends.She always made it a point to stay in touch with her extended family, friends, and neighbors either in person, by phone or through the mail, and she continued to meet regularly with her Beaver Falls High School girlfriends well into her 90s. But her true passion was her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. As her health rapidly diminished in her final days, she fought to survive long enough to see as many of them as possible, and her primary concern was not for herself, but that everyone would get their birthday and anniversary cards on time, and the younger ones would receive their cards and money for Halloween, a tradition that she carried on for numerous holidays.
She also never said “goodbye” at the end of her phone calls. Instead, she said, “Love you!”
Services and arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.
The family has suggested memorial contributions be made, if desired, in Genevieve’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.