Genette E. Purvis

ORADELL & TEANECK strong – Genette Purvis proudly also known as Nana, passed away showing true strength, dignity and grace at the amazing age of 93 on Monday, October 25th. Genette was welcomed into the loving arms of first our Lord, and then the love of her life; her late husband, John Purvis. For 82 years, Genette lived in the same house in Teaneck; first originally as her childhood home and where she later raised her own family. When the oversized property became too much and she said; “it’s time to move but I want my own place,” we were blessed to find a home around the corner in Oradell. For her final journey, Genette was thrilled to be a part of “such a busy house” and make the fourth generation as she came to live with her daughter Annette; her husband Bob and their welcoming family. Genette was a devoted mother to three daughters Elizabeth Purvis, Annette Hartman; her husband Bob and the late Jeannie Lewis; her late husband Wade. Genette’s greatest pride and joy was to be called Nana by her treasured grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Dr. Jonathan Hartman and his wife Jennifer, their little darling Mila, Matthew Hartman, Kimberly Hartman and her fiancé Mike Kavanagh; Kimberly’s twin blessings Logan and Julianna Hartman. Genette was also loved by two adopted four legged guardians Cody and Maggie. Genette was truly the greatest role model. She is predeceased by her parents Maria & Irving Cook, her sister, Marie Cacay, and her husband Emil. Genette enjoyed working at Holy Name Hospital for 35 years. Holding several positions and lastly as a FT Administrative Secretary in the Respiratory Dept. Genette always posted the sports schedules of all her grandchildren on her calendar so she wouldn’t miss a sporting event, practice or game. Genette had an amazing talent and could knit or crochet anything. Some of her favorite pieces were from creating her own patterns and making adult and baby sweaters, scarfs and countless baby blankets, which we will forever treasure. Genette could watch TV and crochet / knit away ~ never dropping a stitch. She was also an avid reader, enjoyed gardening and sewing. Together, Genette & John shared 20+ years as managers of the Golden Knot Girl Scout Camp, Bear Mountain, NY. Genette proudly retained her life membership with the Girl Scouts organization and later became a member of the Order of the Evergreen. Genette (and John) were active members of the Tappan-Zee Good Sam Camping Club. They felt very blessed to have met such a wonderful group of dedicated campers. Once widowed in 1989, Genette’s true strength and independence excelled when she would continue to travel in her Minnie Winnie to meet her loyal and dear camping friends. Our family shared endless camping trips on school vacation days and the lazy days of summer. They were always carefree, fun and adventurous. Genette instilled a love of the outdoors and true passion for camping. Genette always returned to Teaneck to pick up Ruth and Martha; her longtime girlfriends of 80 plus years, to enjoy a luncheon at Bischoff’s, a movie matiness, or for her favorite game of Bingo. Genette’s strong faith shaped and guided her during her entire life. She faithfully served Trinity Lutheran Church, Bogota, NJ. The very same church she was baptized and later married in, and her children and grand-children were also baptized in. Genette’s family wishes to express our sincere gratitude to her dedicated caregiver Maria. For 3 years, Maria provided extraordinary care, compassion and dedication. Genette’s memorial services will be held at the Volk Leber Funeral Home, 789 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, NJ on Wednesday, October 27 from 4-8PM. A funeral service will be offered on Thursday, 10AM at the funeral home. Genette and John will be laid to rest side by side as they were in life at the George Washington Cemetery, Paramus, NJ.

Genette E. Purvis

October 25, 2021