Genevieve Marie Berwald, Jan. 9, 1921 - July 1, 2011, resident of Palo Alto, "GiGi" passed away peacefully on Friday at her Palo Alto home of 57 years surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and her newest great grandson. She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, John J. Berwald. Genevieve was born in Los Angeles and attended John Marshall High School and Queen of Angels Nursing School where she earned her R.N. After marrying John in 1943, she supported him in his long career at Standard Oil Company/Chevron and the many moves early in his career. The young couple moved from Los Angeles to Nebraska where John was stationed during the war. After the war, the couple moved to San Francisco, then to Seattle and back to Los Angeles before returning to San Francisco. Shortly after their move back to San Francisco, John and Genevieve, now with four young children, bought a home in the Greenmeadow development in South Palo Alto and added two more children for a total of six. Genevieve was the perfect mother to Patricia Jones, Janette Aljian, John R. Berwald (Suzanne), Michael Berwald (Allison), Matthew Berwald (Carla), and Mary Berwald. Genevieve was a loving Grandmother to Christopher Aljian, Michael Jones, Brian Aljian, Michele Aljian, John Berwald, Sean Berwald, Tessa Berwald, and Max Berwald. She was also a proud Great-Grandmother to Sebastian, Oliver, Kaylee, Joshua, Lucas, and Emmett. Genevieve was also survived by her brother Ray Matthews of Jacksonville, Oregon. GiGi was much loved by all that knew her including an extended family of friends and relatives. Genevieve worked part-time as a Registered Nurse at many area hospitals during the early years to help pay the expense of raising six children. She worked at the original Stanford Children's Convalescent Hospital, Sequoia Hospital, and Peninsula Hospital. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM, Thursday, July 7th at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church, 1095 Channing Avenue, Palo Alto, CA. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donation to Pathways Hospice of Sunnyvale, CA.

Published in San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on July 6, 2011.