SARATOGA SPRINGS — After 98 years of a fulfilling and exuberant life, Genevieve Lucille (Inciardi) Walling entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, April 25, 2017. Her family has lost the comfort of her presence but the vibrant spirit of this larger-than-life matriarch of the Walling Inciardi and Lazarra families lives on among those who were touched by her generous nature and her ever-joyful heart.
Genevieve was passionate about her family and was the consummate entertainer. She will always be distinguished by her lust for life and for “celebrating” each day, whether notable or not, with her family and friends. She was always cheerful, bringing smiles to everyone with whom she came in contact.
Born on September 14, 1918 in New York City, she was the last of five children born to Julia (Lazarra) and Francis Inciardi. She began her education in 1923 at St. Charles Borromeo Elementary School and graduated twelfth grade from All Saints High School, both in Manhattan. She continued her education at City College in NYC and began her career in Business Administration.
She met Donald Slade Walling through a group of mutual friends in 1939 and they were married at “The Little Church around the Corner” in lower Manhattan in 1941. Their sons, Donald Jr. and Stephen, were born in NYC before they made the bold step of moving to Stamford, NY where they added Patricia and Charles (Dewey) to their family. Donald and Genevieve established a loving and supportive household marked with numerous parties and celebrations throughout the year where everyone in the community was welcome. The family enjoyed frequent trips to NYC and Long Island to visit family and friends. In turn, Donald and Genevieve welcomed these friends and family to their home in Stamford where many enjoyed their first taste of the “country” in Upstate New York. Genevieve will always be remembered for her famous lasagnas, her bottomless pot of sauce, perfect meatballs and mouthwatering New York style Cheesecake. Nothing gave her greater joy than to be with her own family. She remained an integral part of her children’s adult lives as they raised their own families. Her grandchildren lovingly referred to her as “Sunshine Grandma.”
In addition to raising a family, Genevieve became very involved in the Stamford community and enjoyed a challenging and rewarding career beginning with the law firm, Rushmore, Mason and Marcus. In 1956, she became one of the earliest employees of the New York State Department of Conservation (DEC) at the emerging field office in Stamford. She declined several promotions and a move to Albany, preferring to continue raising her family in Stamford. After an illustrious career with DEC, Genevieve retired in 1988.
During her retirement, Genevieve enjoyed volunteering for numerous community organizations including the Stamford Hospital Auxiliary, Stamford Village Improvement Association, M.U.R.A.L arts organization and Lansing Manor visitor’s center at the NYS Power Authority in Blenheim, NY. Genevieve moved to Saratoga Springs in 2003 and immediately began forging new friendships and associations while residing at Prestwick Chase, Woodlawn Commons and Wesley Heath Care. She particularly enjoyed visiting the Saratoga Race Course each year and looked forward to volunteering at the St. Clements Horse Show.
Genevieve is predeceased by her parents, Francis and Julia, her husband Donald Walling Sr.; her son, Stephen; siblings Charles, John, Antoinette and Stephen along with their spouses. She is survived by her loving family, Donald Jr. and Patricia (Mayo) Walling of Jarrettsville, MD, Patricia (Walling) and Colin Heath of Stamford, Dewey and Mary Beth (Alescio) Walling of Saratoga Springs, Carmen (Nagel) Walling of Mohegan Lake, NY, Barbara Wickham; grandchildren Aline, DJ, Julia, Andreanna, Stephen, Patrick, Terrance, Lauren and Christopher and their families, fifteen beautiful great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to extend our sincere appreciation to the wonderful caregivers at Woodlawn Commons, Wesley Nursing Home and Community Hospice who provided our mother with such adoring attention. For those who would like to provide a remembrance in our mother’s name, we invite contributions to The Wesley Foundation at www.thewesleycommunity.org/wesley-foundation/donate. or 131 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springers, NY, 12866.
Friends are invited to join the family for a Mass of Christian Burial at the Church of St. Peter, 241 Broadway in Saratoga Springs on Friday, May 12, 2017 at 12 noon. Calling hours will be held before mass from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Church. The family also wishes to invite relatives and friends to a funeral service at 12 noon on Saturday, May 13, 2017 at Sacred Heart Church, 27 Harper Street, Stamford, NY. A calling hour will be held on Saturday an hour prior at the church starting at 11 a.m. Burial will be held on Saturday at Stamford Cemetery, Stamford, NY.
Funeral arrangements for Genevieve are under the care of Betz, Rossi and Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam, NY, 12010. Please visit the family’s online guestbook at www.brbsfuneral.com.
