Genevieve S. Carroll

Genevieve S. Carroll, 90, passed away on Monday, April 3, 2017 at her home in Grand Forks. Mom was born at St. Joseph's Hospital, Minot, ND on October 3, 1926. She was the first born of three, having two younger sisters: Joan Mahoney and Beverly Mahoney. Grandpa named Mom after the popular song, "Sweet Genevieve."  Mom was raised to be hard working and responsible. Grandpa would say, "Genevieve, you are the oldest, so ..." With no. boys in the family, Mom helped with the farm work when needed, including dehorning and milking cows. She loved long fingernails; and to avoid having to trim them for milking - she wore gloves! Her appearance was always important to her - hair, makeup, clothing and nails had to be perfect. One summer when she had to drive grain truck, she insisted she could not wear blue jeans and the like, where her school friends might see her. A new set of clothing, a white silk shirt and jodhurs (the fashion then) was the compromise. After graduating from Surrey High School in 1944, Mom attended Minot Business School and later worked for Montgomery Ward. She married Dad in 1946 and our family lived in Minot until moving to Grand Forks in 1959 so Dad could attend UND's Law School. To help support the family, Mom worked from home as a professional seamstress, sewing costumes for UND Theatre; pageant gowns for the Miss North Dakota/Miss America contestant in 1963, as well as the general public. While ironing, it was not unusual to see Mom sing and dance around the ironing board! Later, she learned to knit and crochet professionally. Though petite in stature, Mom could be a force to be reckoned with. There was no middle road when it came to doing what was right. She loved her parents and grandparents; and by example, taught us to love and to respect persons of an older generation. Given the opportunity, she would have attended medical school. Failing that, she served as the general "first aid depot" for her friends at the condo complex in Grand Forks where she lived for the past many years. Mom was inventive when it came to household repairs. She knew a lot about maintaining cars, too- a throw back to her childhood education on the farm. She was smart; vivacious; kind; and interested in governmental affairs. Mom loved blueberry pie; rhubarb crisp; caramel rolls. And Dad. She did so want to get well, for Dad. Though private, Mom was always steadfast in her faith. She missed her parents; and knew that, by God's grace, she would one day be with them again, in Heaven. Mom thanked us many times for caring for her at home during her illness. But thanks was never necessary, Mom. It was a privilege. Jim-Linda-Barbara Funeral Service: 1:00 p.m. Friday, April 7 at Amundson Funeral Home 2975 S. 42nd St. in Grand Forks. Visitation: One hour prior to the service at Amundson's. Interment: Memorial Park Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND.