Submitted by: Dan Rich

Genevieve M. Wilkeson

Feb. 24, 1916 - March 6, 2008

South Bend Tribune 3/9/2008
SOUTH BEND - Genevieve M. (Sobecki) Wilkeson, 92, of South Bend, passed away at 6:00 a.m. Thursday in her residence after an extended illness. Mrs. Wilkeson was born on February 24, 1916, in South Bend, and had resided in the Michiana area until 1977, moving to Hemet, California, with her loving husband. She returned to South Bend in 2001 upon the passing of her husband, Darwin E. Wilkeson Sr., who preceded her in death on March 24, 2001.

On September 19, 1935, in South Bend, as Genevieve M. Sobecki, she married Darwin E. Wilkeson Sr., and they were united in marriage for 65 years. She is survived by a daughter, Suzanne McMillin of San Jose, California. Also by four sons, Gene A. (Ellen) Wilkeson of South Bend, Darwin E. Wilkeson Jr. of Santa Clara, California, Philip "Terry" (Nancy) Wilkeson of Green Valley, Arizona; a sister, Frances Sherwood of San Jacinto, California; a brother, James Sobecki of Michigan City, IN; and by 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, whom she loved and cherished. She will be sadly missed by her loving family, church family, and all who had the opportunity to know her during her wonderful life journey.

Genevieve worked over the years at the following locations: Wilson Shirt Factory, Indiana Café, Elks Club, Fannie May Candies and The Philadelphia. Mrs. Wilkeson was preceded in death by her loving husband and by 12 brothers and sisters. She loved sewing, playing bridge and poker and, most of all, making doll clothes and selling them at the Farmers Market years ago. In 1992, she received the Life Master Certificate from the American Contract Bridge League. She was also a member of the Christ Child Society.

Visitation hours will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, March 10th, in the Hanley & Sons "Southwest Chapel," located at West Ireland Road / Indiana 23, South Bend. A Mass of Christian Burial will be said at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 11th, in St. Jude Catholic Church, with Rev. John Delaney officiating. Burial to follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, South Bend. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, PLEASE make all memorial contributions to Saint Jude Catholic Church, 19704 Johnson Road, South Bend, IN 46614. The HANLEY & Sons "Southwest Chapel" Funeral Home handled arrangements and services and extends its deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers to the Wilkeson family.