Obituary: Genova, Maria “Tina”
Age 90
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Tony Genova, brother Domenico Ranieri, and sister Mina Marconi.
She will be remembered and celebrated by her children, Linda and John Featherstone, Christina and David Lynch; her grandchildren John Jr. and Molly Featherstone, Jeff Featherstone, and Matthew Lynch; and her two precious great-grandsons Archie and Enzo Featherstone; brother Tommaso Ranieri and sister Gioconda Fantasia; and numerous nieces and nephews.
During WWII, at the age of 20, she met and fell in love with Tony, an American GI who was stationed in Bari.
They married in Bari on April 9th, 1945.
She came to the U.S.A. aboard a Red Cross war bride ship and arrived in New York City on Washington’s birthday 1946.
The stars of Broadway welcomed the war brides with patriotic music and cheers.
She then continued her journey across the country to meet her husband in Spokane, WA.
She was one of the first war brides to arrive in Spokane.
Once in Spokane, she attended Lewis and Clark high school to learn English and the US Constitution to become a U.S. citizen.
This is where she fondly remembers learning to properly pronounce “sh*t” and “sheet” and “third” and “turd.”
Tina always cherished her Italian heritage and took great pride in her U.S. citizenship.
She never lost touch with her family and was able to visit them many times through the years.
Tony and Tina were the heart and soul of the Trio Restaurant in downtown Spokane for 30 years.
She met and loved so many wonderful customers, who throughout the years became close friends.
Tina took pride in a meticulous home, beautiful yard and wonderful cooking.
She delighted many people with her Italian dinners and Italian cookies.
Even her doctors, hairdresser and manicurist will remember her cookies.
No one ever left her house hungry.
She enjoyed many social activities whether at home or out and about.
She loved music, dancing and had a beautiful operatic voice.
Together with her sister and brother, they would entertain any group with their stage performances.
She was a great storyteller, especially when recounting stories of her family and childhood in Italy, the war years and starting a new life in Spokane as a war bride at the age of 21.
She was the energizer bunny her entire life.
She was always active in her children’s school activities (Campfire and Girl Scout leader), member of St. Charles church guild, Sacred Heart Auxiliary, Spokane Symphony Bernstein Guild, Spokane Opera Buffs and card groups.
Her competitive spirit emerged while playing pinochle, poker, dice and 31.
Even in her final days, she would be the last person to go to bed for fear of missing out on a good time.
First and foremost in her life were her deep-rooted Catholic faith and the love of her family and friends.
She will be dearly missed.
Thank you to all who had a special part in her wonderful life.
Rosary will be at Hennessey Funeral Home, Wednesday, November 5th at 7pm.
Funeral mass at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Thursday, November 6th at 11am.