Jean Genovese
December 12th, 1944 - December 18th, 2024
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Jean's Obituary
Jean Genovese, a cherished lifelong resident of Southwest Michigan, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2024, surrounded by her family who loved her dearly. Born on December 12, 1944, to Carlton (Carly) and Roberta (Bobbie) Steimle, Jean brought light, love, and joy to all who knew her.
As a child, Jean treasured her summers at Pipestone Lake, where she enjoyed water skiing and spending quality time with her family. Jean shared a deep bond with her father, Carly, and was known for always putting others first, a testament to her generous and loving spirit.
Jean grew up in the tight-knit community of Watervliet and graduated from Watervliet High School, where she participated in band and cheerleading. Following high school, she pursued her passion for beauty and connection at Twin City Beauty College, becoming a skilled cosmetologist. Jean loved her career as a hairdresser, which she did happily for 64 years, and found such joy in the relationships she built with her clients, many of whom became lifelong friends.
Jean had a way of connecting with others and making them feel loved, whether it was her family, friends, or complete strangers. Her most treasured relationships include those with her children and grandchildren who brought her such happiness. Jean had an unparalleled ability to make others feel at home, turning every gathering into a celebration of warmth and friendship. Her beautiful smile, sense of humor, generosity, and spunk were irresistible! Whether through her talent for decorating, crafting, gardening, cooking, or baking her famous pumpkin rolls, she created countless cherished memories for her family and friends.
Jean is survived by her children, Jon (Yvette) McCoy, Julie (Chris) Flaga, Jennifer (Rich) Feaster, and Courtney (Matt) Radde; her beloved grandchildren, Lauren McCoy, Justin (Marrissa) Stout, Nathan Olmstead, and Emma, Claire, Jillian, and Harrison Radde; cousins, MaryAnn Ameel and Bill Stanley; many nieces and nephews; as well as countless friends, including Jimmie Baiers and Makenna Rein.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Carlton W. and Roberta (Williams) Steimle; her sister and brother-in-law, Susan and Kenneth Stewart; sister, Diane Turner; and an infant brother who died at birth, Carlton Steimle Jr.
It was Jean’s wish not to have a formal service. Instead, her children invite family and friends to celebrate her life on January 11 from 2:00 - 4:00 PM at First Church of God - Benton Heights. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her name to a charity near to your heart, or do a small act of kindness for a stranger, as this would bring Jean great joy.
Jean’s legacy of love, kindness, and connection will live on in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. Those wishing to sign Jean’s memory book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
As a child, Jean treasured her summers at Pipestone Lake, where she enjoyed water skiing and spending quality time with her family. Jean shared a deep bond with her father, Carly, and was known for always putting others first, a testament to her generous and loving spirit.
Jean grew up in the tight-knit community of Watervliet and graduated from Watervliet High School, where she participated in band and cheerleading. Following high school, she pursued her passion for beauty and connection at Twin City Beauty College, becoming a skilled cosmetologist. Jean loved her career as a hairdresser, which she did happily for 64 years, and found such joy in the relationships she built with her clients, many of whom became lifelong friends.
Jean had a way of connecting with others and making them feel loved, whether it was her family, friends, or complete strangers. Her most treasured relationships include those with her children and grandchildren who brought her such happiness. Jean had an unparalleled ability to make others feel at home, turning every gathering into a celebration of warmth and friendship. Her beautiful smile, sense of humor, generosity, and spunk were irresistible! Whether through her talent for decorating, crafting, gardening, cooking, or baking her famous pumpkin rolls, she created countless cherished memories for her family and friends.
Jean is survived by her children, Jon (Yvette) McCoy, Julie (Chris) Flaga, Jennifer (Rich) Feaster, and Courtney (Matt) Radde; her beloved grandchildren, Lauren McCoy, Justin (Marrissa) Stout, Nathan Olmstead, and Emma, Claire, Jillian, and Harrison Radde; cousins, MaryAnn Ameel and Bill Stanley; many nieces and nephews; as well as countless friends, including Jimmie Baiers and Makenna Rein.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Carlton W. and Roberta (Williams) Steimle; her sister and brother-in-law, Susan and Kenneth Stewart; sister, Diane Turner; and an infant brother who died at birth, Carlton Steimle Jr.
It was Jean’s wish not to have a formal service. Instead, her children invite family and friends to celebrate her life on January 11 from 2:00 - 4:00 PM at First Church of God - Benton Heights. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her name to a charity near to your heart, or do a small act of kindness for a stranger, as this would bring Jean great joy.
Jean’s legacy of love, kindness, and connection will live on in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. Those wishing to sign Jean’s memory book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
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