Genevieve Clerico

Genevieve Ann “Gen” Landry Clerico, 87, of Topeka, died October 30, 2009.

She was born on May 14, 1922 in Topeka, Kansas the only child of Thomas and Genevieve (Schuler) McDade.  Gen was a 1939 graduate of Topeka Catholic High School and received her CNA at the age of 65.

Gen was a homemaker, an in-home care giver and daycare provider.  She was especially a loving wife, mother and friend. 

Gen enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, playing bridge and helping others.  She was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church where she was a Eucharistic Minister for the homebound and did volunteer work for the church in many capacities.  She was a former member of the Daughters of Isabella.  Gen was a volunteer at Birthright, was a former member of the board of Doorstep and had been a gray lady at the VA Hospital.

She married Alcide Landry on April 10, 1944 in Topeka.  He preceded her in death on October 31, 1972.  Gen married Leon C. Clerico on December 30, 1998 in Topeka, he survives.  She is also survived by two sons, Tom (Mary) Landry of Billings, Montana, and John (Laura) Landry of Olathe; four daughters, Mary Jo Drake of Alamogordo, New Mexico, Renard (Lynn) Hagerman of Topeka, Margaret (Mark Vanderlinden) Freeborn-Vanderlinden  of Pleasantville, CA., Chris (Chuck) Oshel of Topeka; a step son, David K. (Denise) Clerico of Boerne,, TX, and a step daughter Chris Clerico of San Antonio, TX., eighteen grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by two son-in-laws Brett Freeborn and Terry Drake.

Gen will lie in state at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Wednesday after 2:00 p.m. where a Family Rosary will be prayed at 5:30 p.m. and a Parish Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church.  Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church or to the charity of the donor’s choice and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas  66603.

Online condolences to www.brennanmathenafh.com.