Genevieve Marion Scharschmidt, 84, passed away on March 15, 2012 with her niece, Elaine, and a few close friends by her side.

She was born July 29, 1927 in Modesto to Manuel and Mary Borges. She graduated from Napa High School, class of ’45. As a young girl she worked at Napa City Bakery and then in San Francisco for Berber Carpet and Spice Islands. Later she worked at PG&E with her husband, Bill, and they retired together after 30 years.

Bill and Gen were married Oct. 5, 1956, in San Francisco. After living there and in Moraga, Gen brought Bill to her Napa Valley roots, where they resided happily ever after.

They enjoyed bowling and were in many leagues together. Gen was also a member of the Napa High School Alumni Association and walked with her best friend, Nancy, with the Queen’s Sneakers. Gen volunteered with the American Cancer Society and received a plaque in recognition of her tireless work. She also won a medal in the Napa Senior Games.

Gen and her dear friend, Nancy Young, spent much time together after each experienced the death of her husband. They traveled to such places as England, Portugal and Morocco, as well as many road trips here in the U.S. They enjoyed movies, concerts, plays and especially family celebrations. Animals touched Gen’s heart, and on more than one occasion, an orphaned animal found a new home at Gen’s.

Gen is survived by her nieces, Elaine Borges of Napa, Bev Borges of Eureka and Loura Kobza of Palo Alto; great-niece, Lark (Dan) Robinson Moore; great-nephews, Tyler Warren and Grady Moore; as well as many special cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Bill “Sharky” Scharschmidt; brother, Bert Borges; and dear friend, Nancy Young.

A celebration of Gen’s life will be at noon on Friday, March 30 in the Tulocay Reception Center, 411 Coombsville Road. Memories and words of sympathy may be sent to the family online at TulocayCemetery.org.