GENEVIEVE MARION CERVANTES

Genevieve Marion Cervantes, born on February 26, 1932, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2025, in San Dimas, California. She lived a vibrant life dedicated to education, serving as a teacher for an impressive 35 years. Genevieve's passion for teaching inspired countless students and enriched the lives of many in her community.

Her Catholic faith was the cornerstone of her life. At 17, she entered the convent and became a nun. Although she left the convent in her early 30s, her devotion to Christ and the Church never wavered. In her later years, she deepened her spiritual journey by becoming an Oblate of St. Benedict. Her faith was evident not only in her practices, but in the grace, compassion, and love with which she lived her life.

Our mom was the most selfless, kind, and generous person we have ever known. Family meant everything to her. She was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She and our dad created a home full of traditions and routines that made our childhood memorable.

Mom was always busy and found joy in many activities. She loved sewing, knitting, quilting, and baking—especially desserts, with cookies being her favorite. She also enjoyed reading and watching old films with our dad. She was very social and she loved gathering with friends for parties and potlucks.

She will be dearly missed by all who knew her, and most especially by her children.

She is survived by her devoted family: daughters Antoinette Dodge (Michael) of Ventura, CA, and Ann Marie Mecham (Kyle) of Sherwood, OR; sons John Cervantes (Suhaey) of Phillips Ranch, CA, and Joseph Cervantes of Montebello, CA; and brother James Nantais (Pat) of San Diego, CA. Genevieve also cherished her role as a grandmother to Katherine Dandley (Tyler) of Ventura, CA, Christopher Dodge (Alexandra) of Kingston, WA, Michael J. Dodge of Tallahassee, FL, Nicholas Lim (Elizabeth) of Corona Del Mar, CA, Eric Ritchie of Sherwood, OR, Ethan Ritchie (Ella) of Newburg, OR, Galilea Cervantes of Phillips Ranch, CA, and Lucas Cervantes of Phillips Ranch, CA. In addition, she was a proud great-grandmother to six great-grandchildren and held a loving bond with numerous nieces and nephews.

Genevieve was preceded in death by her husband, Edgar Cervantes; her parents, Antoinette and Lewis Nantais; and her sister, Mary Grayce Donahue.

Soul Sunrise    

Written by: Suhaey Cervantes

After you left, I went outside to see the morning light, the sun shining brightly, the birds flying singing their songs.

I cried in sadness…….because you are gone.

I realized, you were called to leave at dawn, when all the birds sing to the morning sun.

I felt joy for you.

The sun shining bright reminded me of your “eyes that shine”. The warmth of the sun reminded me of your voice always welcoming and warm. The birds flying, soaring in the air, reminding me of your graceful presence.

I thought of Pipette, your bird, how you opened its cage to have him, be free.

I felt joy for you.

Now in the Lord’s presence, may you be surrounded by the magnificent brightness of his love, held in his warm embrace, surrounded by the singing of the angels, welcoming you back home.

I felt joy for you.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Genevieve's life and legacy at the following services: Visitation will take place on July 14, 2025, from 5:15 PM to 7:00 PM, followed by a Rosary at 6:00 PM, both held at Risher Mortuary & Cremation Service located at 1316 W Whittier Blvd, Montebello, CA, 90640. A Mass to honor her memory will be celebrated on July 15, 2025, at 9:30 AM at St. Benedict Church, found at 1022 West Cleveland Avenue, Montebello, CA, 90640.

Genevieve Marion Cervantes will be remembered for her contributions as an educator, for her loving spirit, and for the profound impact she had on the lives of all who knew her. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.