Genevieve Erickson

Former Naselle resident Genevieve Erickson, 88, also affectionately known as "Gram" and "Great-Gram" to her extended family, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on April 1, 2010 in Vancouver, WA. She was born February 13, 1922 in Dawson Nebraska to Ralph N. and Mabel S. (Smith) Mahar, descendents of Nebraska pioneer families. Genevieve moved to Vernonia, Oregon in the 1930's where her father worked in the town's lumber mill and where she graduated with honors from Estacada High School. She married Lt. Gerald Byron Ball, U.S. Army, August 30, 1941 in Vancouver WA and they had four children: Victory Ann; Carol Ann; Jerylyn Ann and John Francis. After the Second World War, the family lived in several locations around the San Francisco CA area. The Balls moved to Milwaukie, Oregon in 1959, then moved to Seattle, WA in 1962, where Genevieve worked as a medical secretary for many years, while her husband sold real estate. Gerald passed away in 1966. In 1970, Genevieve married Donald Ward Haven, who passed away in 1984. In 1990, Genevieve married her present husband Grant Fredrick Erickson of Naselle WA where they spent many happy years in a small rural home overlooking the Naselle River. Six months of the year for ten years she enjoyed the beauty of family, friends, sunshine and nature at their home built into " LaMancha" with Victory and Richard in La Quinta, California. Genevieve and Grant eventually moved to Vancouver WA and were residents of Glenwood Retirement community in southeast Vancouver, Washington. Genevieve is survived by her husband Grant Erickson; children Victory A. (Richard) Grund of Whidbey Island, WA; Carol (Gerald) Anderson, Vancouver, WA; Jerylyn A. (John) Cusimano, Edmonds WA; John F. (Cherie) Ball of Vancouver, WA; step-children Victoria (Dave) Lipe; Katie Haven; Pam (Walt) Hopp; Melody (Gary) Worth; Wayne (Becky) Erickson. Genevieve is also survived by her beloved sister Lorraine (Jack) Henrickson of Newport OR; and sister-in-law Jerri Mahar. Genevieve was affectionately known as Mother Jean to Andrée Hemmerle of La-Wantzenau, France. Genevieve had 21 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews who loved and adored her. She was preceded in death by brothers Arthur W. Mahar; Donald L. Mahar; Chester R. Mahar; and sister Doris F. (Mahar) Cain. This remarkable woman enjoyed reading, knitting baby hats, and watching nature shows on the television with her husband, Grant. She enjoyed hearing from her family via e-mail, letters and phone calls. But most of all, she treasured her times at her beloved family park in Vernonia where she would sit on the porch of her cabin and watch her extended family play in the field or visit with whoever stopped by for a chat. She loved taking rides in her golf cart to enjoy the beautiful nature - usually with numerous grandchildren in tow - where she would share her amazing knowledge of the plants and trees. These special memories will last forever in our hearts. A celebration of Genevieve's life will be held this summer at her beloved family park in Vernonia at dusk on August 7th. All of her cherished family and friends are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations in Genevieve Erickson's name may be made to the following, by her request: Mahar Park Inc., Vernonia, OR c/o Debbie Mickenham, 10609 NE 114th Ct, Vancouver, WA 98662 Old Town Artisan Studio, 78-100 Main St, Suite 104, La Quinta, CA 92253 HYPERLINK "www.oldtownartisanstudio.org American Heart Association Penttila's Chapel by The Sea, Long Beach in charge of arrangements.