Genevieve Arland Obituary

Mar. 6, 2011
Memories of Mama Jay linger to all those who had the chance to meet her. She was a very sweet Lady, who had a heart as big as house, so many things to share and too many stories to tell. She was very fond of people, including my dad, whom she came to know for a few years. I affectionately called her "Mama" because she was always very motherly to me. Her Italian cooking was excellent, and her Italian cookies was loved by all, including Fr. Peter. It was a very sad day for many of us when they moved to New Mexico, but we managed to visit them at Ponce de Leon a couple times. She was a Lady of All Traits, who never learned how to say "No" to anybody who asked for her help. At her late age of 90, she was hemming pants and skirts of some residents at Ponce de Leon; and always ready to make a meal for anybody who was sick or had a surgery at the facility. I talked to her last on Christmas day of 2010. She had a difficult time remembering my name, until I mentioned my dad's name, "Papa" and then she remembered me. We had a 5 minute conversation, and that was one of the best Christmas days I ever had. Mama Jay, may you join the company of all the angels in heaven, please give my hugs to Uncle Bill and Papa, and save me a place next to you. I will miss you and Uncle Bill. Most of all, I will always remember your pieces of advice, the strong faith you have shown to many, your stories and your jokes. I still have the things you left me and I will treasure them forever.
Love Always,
Noemi Ewalt

I have many, many fond memories of "Mama Jay", as she was known to me. I met her and "Uncle Bill", her husband, at the St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank at St.Jude's Catholic Church in Ceres, Ca.in 2001. I worked with them there until they moved to Santa Fe, at which time we at the S.V.D.P. gave them a departing gift in the form of a plaque that honored them for their charitable service-- and the pantry at the food bank was renamed in their honor for that service. They also were very, very influential in my becoming a Catholic. They were great examples of what Catholics should be in living their faith and I wanted to be like that. I remember many times when Mama Jay, Uncle Bill, Noemi, her dad, "Papa", and I enjoyed a meal and great conversation at the K.F.C. in Ceres after we all had finished our work for the lord. I also recall "real" Italian meals cooked by Mama Jay and eaten by yours truly-- WOW, what a great cook she was. But beyond being a great servant for the lord, an example of how to live the Catholic life, a great companion to eat with, and a great cook, Mama Jay was simply a great person to know. There is not enough space here for me to tell you all of the great stories I have about her and Uncle Bill. If you did not have the pleasure to have met them, it was a great loss for you. God bless you Mama Jay and Uncle Bill, I will never forget you.

I have many, many fond memories of "Mama Jay", as she was known to me. I met her and "Uncle Bill", her husband, at the St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank at St. Jude's Catholic Church in Ceres, Ca.in 2001. I worked with them there until they moved to Santa Fe, at which time we at the S.V.D.P. gave them a departing gift in the form of a plaque that honored them for their charitable service-- and the pantry at the food bank was renamed in their honor for that service. They also were very, very influential in my becoming a Catholic. They were great examples of what Catholics should be in living their faith and I wanted to be like that. I remember many times when Mama Jay, Uncle Bill, Noemi, her dad, "Papa", and I enjoyed a meal and great conversation at the K.F.C. in Ceres after we all had finished our work for the lord. I also recall "real" Italian meals cooked by Mama Jay and eaten by yours truly-- WOW, what a great cook she was. But beyond being a great servant for the lord, an example of how to live the Catholic life, a great companion to eat with, and a great cook, Mama Jay was simply a great person to know. There is not enough space here for me to tell you all of the great stories I have about her and Uncle Bill. If you did not have the pleasure to have met them, it was a great loss for you. God bless you Mama Jay and Uncle Bill, I will never forget you.

Many years ago Jay was my hairdresser as early as 5 AM on Saturdays. She was such a nice friendly person and she and I had
many laughs together. I often wondered where she had gone and
how I could get in touch with her. Please accept my condolences,
Denise, Donette, and son William. I always thought you 3 were like my own. God bless all of you. LOVE, Jeane Rusk, Colo Sprgs CO.