Pauline (LeBrun) Genest, 91, a lifelong resident of Manchester, NH was born on April 26, 1934 to Abraham LeBrun and Loretta (Blanchette) LeBrun. She passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family after a brief illness.
She met her high school sweetheart, Armand Genest, while attending St. Anthony High School, graduating class of 1952. Pauline joined the cheerleading squad to cheer on Armand who was officially known as “the little cyclone” for St. Anthony’s football team. Armand quickly won her heart and on August 13th, 1955, they were married.
They moved to Jacksonville, FL while Armand was stationed to serve in the U.S. Navy and they started their family. Upon their return to Manchester, they were blessed with 3 more children, including a set of twins. Pauline agreed when Armand famously said “when they start coming two at a time, we quit!” Pauline lived in the same home for 68 years.
Having 4 children within 29 months, Pauline was a homemaker, which we all know is one of life’s most important responsibilities and the most rewarding job of all. When the “kids” entered high school, she joined McDonald’s working the Mother’s Shift for a number of years, just a few hours a week, to earn some “fun money” as most mothers’ did in the 1970’s! She was also employed as the Office Manager for Armand’s CPA practice until they both retired in 2006.
During their 60 years of marriage, they traveled extensively - throughout the US, Russia, many parts of Europe, as well as countless cruises. Additionally, one of her most favored excursions was the 35 annual summer vacations she spent at Hampton Beach with her children and grandchildren, creating memories that are still cherished today. During her retirement, she loved snow-birding in Port Charlotte, FL.
Pauline passed away on April 13th, just 13 days shy of her 92nd birthday – ironically “13” was her and Armand’s favorite number. Forever 91 – she was 39 at heart. Her sharp wit kept everyone on their toes and her laugh filled up every room (especially when learning odd tidbits during daily obituary readings with her daughter Diane). She was intrigued by her ancestry and exercised that passion by researching genealogy all the way back to Generation 69 (160 AD). She was also the perpetual optimist – no matter what minor ailment she may have had, even a headache, she’d chuckle and say, “I didn’t ask for it, it’s going to go away!”
Pauline was predeceased by her loving husband, Armand R. Genest on November 1, 2015.
Pauline is survived by her 4 children: Daniel Genest (Kathleen) of Lutz, FL; Susan Phaneuf (Richard) of Manchester; Diane Montplaisir (Robert) of Manchester; David Genest (and companion, Debbie Pearl) of AZ; and her brother-in-law, Donald L. Genest, of Manchester.
Her grandchildren include: Nicole Genest of Portsmouth, NH; Jason Montplaisir of San Francisco, CA; Eric Montplaisir (Kristen) of Andover, MA; Jamie Zellermayer (Clayton) of Heber City, UT; Kristen Labore of Penacook, NH.
Pauline’s great-grandchildren are Jacob Genest of Concord, NH; Makenna Genest-Horne and Isabella Genest-Horne of Pelham, NH; Claire Montplaisir and Bennett Montplaisir of Andover, MA; Brynlee Zellermayer and Sloan Zellermayer of Heber City, UT; and Kayden Labore of Manchester.
Calling hours will be on Thursday from 4 to 7pm at J.N. Boufford & Sons, 110 Bridge Street.
A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10:00am at St. Anthony of Padua Church, Belmont St.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Pauline Genest to the Elliot VNA Association, 1070 Holt Avenue, Manchester, NH 03109 to which the family owes much gratitude for the wonderful care they provided.
For more information and online guestbook, please visit www.bouffordfunderalhome.com