Passed peacefully away, May 14, 2022, surrounded by her adoring husband and children, Genevieve Marie Bishop (nee Russell), RN.

Although mere words could never describe the impact of her 67 years, we share her journey to celebrate a remarkable woman who devoted her life to spreading love to every person who needed it. Gen was born in Grand Falls, NL on May 18, 1955, and lived there with her family until moving to St. John’s in 1973 to pursue her studies in nursing at St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital. It was during this time, she met the love of her life, John Bishop. She was married to John on August 28, 1976. Together, with the lessons from their parents before them, they built a life that was filled with laughter, love, friendship, and service. They raised four beautiful children, in what Gen would describe as her most important accomplishment.

Gen began her career and worked at the Janeway Children’s Hospital for 34 years before moving to Palliative Care just before retirement. During that time, she touched countless families from all over the province, bringing her unique ability to comfort and nurture children and adults alike. Her maternal nature allowed her to connect and touch the hearts of children, making them feel safe even in the direst of health circumstances. Her innate kindness put families at ease, and when Gen would hold your hand, you could see the flickers of hope and believe that everything was going to be okay.

Outside of her professional commitment in service of others, she brought that same generosity of spirit to her personal life. She always found that extra hour for a friend. Her baking cupboard was always full, ready to bake one of her masterpieces to share with someone who needed a reminder they were not alone in their hardship. Even when she struggled with her own health decline, she preferred to channel her own suffering to lift the spirits of others. She had an amazing intuitive ability to connect with the needs of others and did not give a second thought to sacrificing her own time and comforts to help a friend. Her laughter and hugs could warm the coldest night. She was a devoted mother and grandmother. She was a master baker, especially when she had a grandchild by her side, baking her world-famous Nanny cookies. Her love of Christmas was infectious, and she celebrated the traditions of the season with the enthusiasm of a child.

Gen was, without a doubt, the best big sister, and truly carried the spirit of her parents, reminding her siblings of the deep family roots that were ever-present. She proudly lived by the Russell Family motto, Che Sara Sara. She was a devoted friend, who made you feel safe, heard, and accepted without condition. Truly, if you counted her as a friend, you were sure to blossom from the warmth of her love.

She was a proud member of the Newfoundland and Labrador nursing community and was a voice for future generations of caregivers. She was also a committed leader to the Girl Guides of Mount Pearl. Following her breast cancer diagnosis, she became an active member of SOS (Sharing Our Strength) Group, and The Avalon Dragons. Both organizations offered Gen tremendous support and positivity during her cancer journey. As stated in the beginning of this remembrance, mere words could not describe her impact on this imperfect world. But we can say with confidence that the ripple of her life will continue to spread long after we have all left this earthy plain.

If our time on earth is measured by moments that we love, Gen finished her life with a large crescendo. She lived and died with dignity and grace, and her outpouring of love and wisdom in her final days left her family and friends in awe.

Survived by: Husband, John Bishop Daughter, Melissa Bishop (Lorne) Daughter Lindsay Pike (Matt) Son, Bradley Bishop (Heather) Daughter, Megan Patey (Fraser). Grandchildren James Raymond, Hayden Pike, Madelyn Bishop and McKenna Patey

She also leaves to mourn her loving siblings, Gerard (Karla), Nancy (Sean), Julie, and Kelly (Brady), sisters in laws Sharon (Bob), Peg, Laurie (John), many beloved nieces and nephews as well as a large circle of cherished friends.

 Predeceased by her parents Madge and Don Russell of Grand Falls, NL, sister-in-law Kay Russell, Patrick Cashin, and nephew Stephen Russell as well as her parents in law, Henry and Bernice Bishop.

Visitation to be held on Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at Barrett’s Funeral Home, 73 Commonwealth Ave, Mount Pearl 2-4pm and 6-9pm. Funeral Mass to be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 110 Ashford Drive Mount Pearl, NL on Wednesday, May 18, 2022 at 10:30 am.

 The family would like to thank the following: The staff at the HR Bliss Cancer Centre Dr. Joy McCarthy The staff at Dominion Drug store, especially Sue, Nicole and Wanda The staff at the Palliative Care Unit, The Miller Centre, for their exceptional care. The doctors at Palliative Care, as well as RN Lori Littlejohn. Sister Monica, Father Dohey and Father Bidgood Dr. Greg Sutton Gen’s Nursing Friends Gen’s High School Friends Krista Bailey and Helen Brennan, who stood by Gen through thick and thin Margaret Harvey, a cousin who was like a sister. Elsie Doyle, a friend who became family.

Though Flowers will be accepted, Gen would also love any donations to be made to The Avalon Dragons, Daffodil Place or The Newfoundland and Labrador Breast Cancer Conference (please see family for details).

Gone From My Sight By: Henry Van Dyke

I am standing upon the seashore. A ship, at my side, spreads her white sails to the moving breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other. Then, someone at my side says, "There, she is gone." Gone where? Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast, hull and spar as she was when she left my side. And, she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port. Her diminished size is in me -- not in her. And, just at the moment when someone says, "There, she is gone," there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout, "Here she comes!"