Genevieve T. Sylvester, 91, of East Bethel, Minn., passed away peacefully at the Epiphany Assisted Living in Coon Rapids.
Jennie was born on August 24, 1918, in Cherry Grove Township, Minn., the oldest of eight children born to John and Theresa (Nolan) O’Kane. She grew up on a farm outside of Cherry Grove, Minn. Jennie graduated eighth grade from rural country school and twelfth grade from Wanamingo High School. After school, she stayed with her grandparents in Bethel, Minn., and that is where she met her husband, Eddie Sylvester. Jennie and Eddie were married on Sept. 28, 1940, and moved to a farm in the East Bethel/Cedar area and that is where they lived their entire life. In addition to the farm, they (along with Eddie’s father and brother) owned and operated Sylvester Lumber Company.
Farming and the lumber business kept them very busy, but Jennie found time to volunteer. She was an active member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Cambridge. Jennie was a 4-H leader for many years as well as a member of the Dyers Corner Helping Hand Club for 65 years. She volunteered for the American Cancer crusade and was a member of TOPS/KOPS for 25 years.
Eddie and Jennie were married for 51 years, and enjoyed traveling. Eddie especially enjoyed fishing so she learned to enjoy fishing as well. She was the “Tower of Strength” to her family and friends.
Jennie is survived by her children, Marcia (Jerry) Swedeen of Cambridge, Raymond (Janet) Sylvester of East Bethel, Bernie (Marcy) Sylvester of Stanchfield, Sharon (Larry) McCormack of Hager City, Wis., Tom (Janice) Sylvester of Isanti, Eileen (Glenn) Frisch of Ham Lake; 17 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and one-great-great-grandchild; sisters, Lucille Miller of Mazeppa, Minn., Rose Foster of Kansas City, Mo.; brothers, John (Mary Ann) O’Kane of Little Canada and Hugh (Monica) O’Kane of St. Paul.
She was preceded in death by husband, Eddie George Sylvester, and three siblings, Margaret McDermott, Richard O’Kane, and James O’Kane.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, August 2, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Cambridge with Father James Hahn officiating. Pallbearers are Kreg and Mike Swedeen, Willie, Andy, Matt, Steve, Ted and Joe Sylvester and Jim Quarnstrom. Interment will be in Christ the King Catholic Cemetery.
Online condolences and photographic memories at www.carlsonlillemoen.com. Arrangements are with the Carlson-Lillemoen Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Cambridge.
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