It is with great sadness that the family of Margaret “Genny” Genevieve Piper announces her passing on December 20, 2020 in Whitehorse, Yukon, at the age of 78 years.
Genny will be forever and lovingly remembered by her husband and love of her life Gerald “Gerry” Piper, their three children Claudette (Dean), Colleen (Leland), and Kyla (Patrick), her grandchildren Lance, Megan, Alexander, Kyrie, Caliegh, Mitchell and Saige, her sisters-in-law Heather, Anita and Norma “Fudge”, her cousins Elizabeth and George, her sister Dianne, and nieces Pamela and Teresa.
Genny was predeceased by her first husband Lance, her father Charles “Carl” Henry, her mother Annabel “Anne” (nee McDougall) and her nephews Edward and Phillip.
Genny was born in Montreal and was raised in the Eastern Townships, Quebec. With a fire in her belly to leave a small provincial village and see the world, Genny left home after high school and started her career in the airline industry. After becoming a flight attendant and flying routes that included Australia, Hong Kong, Fiji and Mexico, the skies brought Genny North where she eventually settled in Whitehorse, Yukon during the 1960s with her first husband, and where their daughter Claudette was later born and raised.
After her career with the airline industry, Genny embarked on a second career in the tourism and hospitality industry, working for the Travelodge which later became the Sheffield Hotel and subsequently Westmark Hotels. Genny’s warm and welcoming disposition, combined with the highest level of professionalism and elegance, ensured thousands of travelers to the Yukon were treated with utmost courtesy and respect, and she expected nothing less from anyone who shared a shift with her. Genny was meticulous in everything she touched, left people better than she found them, and exemplified the true spirit of Northern Hospitality.
It was in Whitehorse after Lance’s death that Genny later found her forever soulmate, Gerry. Being a strong and fiercely independent woman, Genny declined Gerry’s invitation over the phone for dinner – but luckily Genny’s daughter Claudette encouraged Genny to call back and accept the invitation. Genny did so; they went on their first date, it was love at first sight, and they were married in July 1989 to the joy of all.
Gerry and Genny shared a wonderful life together full of laughter, the deepest kind of love, and numerous adventures (chasing bats in the bedroom, camping trips throughout the Yukon and Alaska, home renovations of monumental proportions, travels to Hawaii and Scotland, cross country road trips, and cooking together for their local Legion, to name but a few). Genny was a talented artist, accomplishing an unparalleled ability to handcraft intricate lampshades and beautifully stencilled works of art that became both sought after pieces and admired additions around the homes of those she loved.
Genny will forever be remembered for her beautiful smile, her fortitude and resilience, her love of jazz music and dancing with Gerry, and for her kind and compassionate spirit that touched everyone she met.
The family would like to sincerely thank the exceptional staff at Home Care, Copper Ridge Place, and Whistle Bend Place, of whom there are too many to mention. The love and care provided by staff to Genny was above and beyond the call of duty. We will be forever grateful for you all.
In lieu of flowers, Genny would welcome donations to The War Amps in her memory. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a private service will be held at a later date.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Margaret Genny Genevieve Piper nee Beaulieu; formerly McCowan September 30 1942 December 20 2020..
Décès pour la Ville: Whitehorse, Province: Colombie britanique