Genevieve Catherine Droste

My Garden Prayer

My garden beautifies my yard

and adds fragrance to the air. . .

But it is also my cathedral

and my quiet place of prayer. . .

So little do we realize

That "The Glory and The Power"

of He who made the universe

lies hidden in a flower

                                    -Helen Steiner Rice

Genevieve Catherine Droste passed away peacefully on Monday, July 8, 2019, at the age of 95. She resided at Home Sweet Home in Haslett for the past five, almost six, years of her life. Genevieve was preceded in death by her husband, George in 1963 and by her daughter, Judy Droste in 2015. She is survived by her son and her daughter, Bob and Linda Droste, and her sister, Colleen Hayden.

Genevieve was a Master Gardener without ever having taken a gardening class. She had a "knack" with any plant or flower that came her way, and could rescue a near-death plant back to full health with seemingly little effort.  Spending time in her yard was indeed her great pleasure as well as her way of practicing her deep devotion to her Faith through her love of nature and its beauty.  Spread throughout the yard were her rows of zinnias, rows of marigolds, both tall and short, light and dark yellow and gold, rows of her beloved Birds of Paradise, rows of cosmos, nasturtium, alyssum, and more, from which she collected seeds at the end of the growing season for the next year's planting. Then there were her many perennials, with her special appreciation of peonies and hydrangeas.

Gen was like a second grandmother to the Feldpausch children across the road. They helped her with her gardening chores, after which she showered them with "Little Debbie" treats, or strawberry shortcake, which the kids referred to as "Gen treats."

Genevieve's faith and devotion to Mary were central in her life. She had a well-worn prayer book from which she read every morning, including prayer cards from friends and relatives who had passed before her. She was an active member of Saint Mary Parish, Westphalia, and a member of the Christian Mothers. Her love for her family was paramount in her life.

Bob and Linda are deeply grateful to Diane and Daryl Feldpauch and Betty and Bill Wirth, who have over many years been helpful to the family in so many ways. Simply put, they are the epitome of charitable giving and are family to us. We are also grateful to Linda Luna, who traveled to Haslett to continue to care for Gen’s hair. Incidental to this, it must be said that at the age of 95, Genevieve did not have a single gray hair on her head! She was very pleased with her brown hair.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Eric Weber at 10:30 a.m., Monday, July 15, 2019 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Westphalia. The family will greet friends from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Rite of Committal will follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery. Upon the return of the family from the cemetery, there will be a luncheon held at the St. Mary Parish Hall. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.

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