Obituary of Genevieve T Riquelmy

Genevieve Walsh Riquelmy, 79, of Roanoke, joined our heavenly Father to celebrate the birth of his son, Jesus Christ, on December 25th, after sharing one last Christmas surrounded by her husband, children and grandchildren. Born on Oct. 14, 1935 in Fox Cove, Newfoundland, Canada, she truly lived and loved. She shared a lasting love and marriage of 57 years with her husband. She gave birth to three wonderful children who gave her six amazing grandchildren in return. She was then blessed with six great-grandchildren. The life she lived was spectacular at the least. While she remained true to her Newfoundland roots, she was proud of becoming a naturalized citizen of the United States in 1976. She traveled the country and saw its magnificent beauty. Her home was filled with joy and photos of family and memories shared. Her heart was pure and kind and devoted to her Catholic faith. She lived a blessed life teaching those around her about love, family and devotion to her faith. Christmas was her favorite time of year and she celebrated by filling her home with music, figures of nativity scenes, Santa's workshop and trains traveling beneath Christmas trees on blankets of snow. Her trees were covered with special ornaments from the many places she traveled, gifts from family members and those special homemade ornaments from decades past. Icicles glistened around the lights and colorful balls returning one's reflection over the years. The togetherness and love she shared made the Christmas season more meaningful to all she encountered. She will remain forever in the hearts and memories of all who knew her. She was predeceased by her parents, Mary Ellen and Anthony Walsh, a brother, Vincent Walsh, Lawrence Walsh, Bernard Walsh, Ignatius Walsh, and a sister, Mary W. Dimmer. Surviving are her beloved husband, Ronald W. Riquelmy, sons, Anthony G. Riquelmy (Penny), Ronald J. Riquelmy (Renee) both of Roanoke, Va., daughter, Annette Riquelmy Strickland (Donnie) of Ramer, Tn., grandchildren, Anthony W. Riquelmy, Christopher M. Riquelmy, Benjamin A. Riquelmy, Meagan M. Carpenter, Amy E. Mills, Lori I. Strickland, great-grandchildren, Colin, Carter, Brooklyn, Brantt, Kylie, Lily, and Carter, brothers Anthony and Joseph Walsh of Newfoundland, Canada; and sister Bernice Dimmer and husband Bert, of Palm Harbor Florida. As well as numerous loving nieces and nephews in both Newfoundland, and the United States. Funeral Mass will be conducted 11 a.m. Monday, December 29, 2014 at St. Andrew's Catholic Church. Entombment will follow in the church mausoleum. The family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m. Sunday at Simpson Funeral Home 5160 Peters Creek Road. 366-0707.