Obituary of Genevieve (Gene) Agnes MCINENLY

April 21, 1920– Acadia Valley, Alberta
December 5, 2019– New Westminster, British Columbia 

Genevieve Agnes McInenly passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 5, 2019 at the age of 99, with her family by her side.

Gene was born in Acadia Valley, AB on April 21, 1920. She lived on the family farm and rode to the little schoolhouse on a horse. Gene worked hard on the farm by helping to take care of her siblings, helping her Mom with the cooking and helping to taking care of the animals; she especially remembered being chased barefoot across the gully by a rooster.

Gene attended Henderson’s Business School in Calgary and upon graduation began working at the Bank of Nova Scotia in Arrowwood, AB. In 1946, she married Martin McInenly from Arrowwood where they farmed and had four children. Gene was known for her huge garden and her hospitality when neighbours and family dropped in.  The family moved to Vulcan in 1962, where Gene worked in the local bakery and later at the Bank of Commerce. Martin passed away in September 1968 and Gene and the children moved to Calgary. In Calgary Gene worked at the Bank of Commerce until her retirement in 1985. During her time in Calgary she was active in the community;  Gene golfed, bowled and took part in folk dancing. She was an ardent card player and honed her crib skills by playing in many tournaments. Gene also travelled to Europe and to several parts of Canada and the United States.

In 2007 Gene moved to New Westminster, B.C. She lived at Thornebridge Gardens where she took part in many activities including bus trips, music, cards and games. She often walked uptown where she did her own banking and shopping. In her later years Gene enjoyed playing crib even though her eyesight failed her. She was very competitive and always had to have “the extra game” if the wins were not tied.

Gene is survived by her children, Mary (Mel) Schumacher, Roger (Gen) McInenly, and Eleanor (Bob) McInenly; grandchildren, Scott Schumacher, Gary (Kristine) McInenly, Chad (Francine) McInenly, and Jill (Jason) Wyman; great-grandchildren, Kianna Harrison, Sadie Schumacher, Kolby McInenly, Isla McInenly, Charlotte Wyman, and Emily Wyman; sister-in-law Sophie Skappak, and many nieces and nephews. Gene was predeceased by her husband Martin, daughter Valerie, parents, Nora and Vasil Skappak; brothers, Locky, Victor and Art; sisters, Katherine, Marion and Marcella; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Gene will be lovingly remembered by her family and will be greatly missed.

A private family service was held on Wednesday, Sept 2, 2020. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca, or to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, 15 Colonel Baker Place N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 4Z3 Telephone: (403) 261-7219, www.cnib.ca. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Gene’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Genevieve McInenly, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB, T2E 2V6,   Telephone: 403-243-8200.