HUDSON FALLS – Genevieve R. (Genny) Brodt, a lifelong resident of Hudson Falls, passed away on Friday, June 21, 2024 at Glens Falls Hospital after 90 years of love and laughter with family and friends.
Genny was born on October 30, 1933, to Joseph and Felexia Vitouski, and grew up “under the hill” on Ferris Street with her three brothers and three sisters and many other extended family members of Polish descent who called that neighborhood home. She attended elementary school at St. Mary’s in Hudson Falls and graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in Glens Falls.
On July 1, 1962, Genny married John H. Brodt Sr. They began their married life and started their family in an apartment on-the-park in Hudson Falls before moving to a home built by her brothers and brothers-in-law on West Street, where their family grew, and they built many long-lasting friendships. John and Genny were married 55 years at the time of John’s passing.
As a young woman, Genny worked at Kresge’s department store in downtown Glens Falls and the Imperial Wallpaper Company (later Hercules) in Queensbury. She left the workforce to raise her family and was a stay-at-home mom for nearly two decades before working several summers at the Coco Loco restaurant at Storytown/The Great Escape. In 1981, Genny returned to the workforce full time in a job she truly loved, as telephone operator for the Hudson Falls Central School District. Genny went on to work in a variety of roles for the District over the next 17 years, making enduring friendships with administrators, teachers, and students, alike.
Genny loved watching her children grow, find love, and begin their own families, but when grandchildren arrived, her love was taken to a whole new level. “Mimi” and “Grampi” were their 10 grandchildren’s biggest fans at sporting events, dance recitals and all sorts of school activities, and together they cherished every hour they spent with them. Two years ago, “Gigi” was elated to welcome her first great-grandchild.
Over the years, Genny and her children enjoyed countless summer days around the pool with her brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews who raised their families on the Vitouski family homestead on Ferris and Ferry streets (“down home-way” as Genny fondly called it). She also enjoyed many years of backyard visits with long-time neighbors and friends; lunches and other outings with her friends from the school district; and the opportunity to gather with her children’s spouses’ families, who she welcomed as her own.
Genny loved to bake and read, but cookies and books took a backseat from April through October (well, some years through October), any night the New York Yankees took the field. From the Bronx Zoo teams of the 1970s to the Core Four and beyond — and most especially, Bernie Williams — Genny was a die-hard fan. She prayed for a victory every game, and we’re hoping she has a little more influence now.
Genny was predeceased by her husband, John; her parents; and her six siblings and their spouses: Joseph, who gave his life in WWII at the age of 21, Helen and Paul LaPointe, Marion and Roger Corlew, Pauline (“Peanie”) and Jake Bourdeau, Louis and Joan Vitouski, and Don Vitouski.
She is survived by her children, John Jr. and his wife, Lisa; Michael and his wife, Michelle; Danielle Vaughan and her husband, Jeff; and Denise Galloway and her husband, Ross; her grandchildren, Nicole Canastra and her husband, Brian; Steven Brodt and his wife, Sidney; Reilley and Maddox Brodt; Jenna, Cassie and Leah Vaughan; and Lilly, Alex and Parker Doin; and great-granddaughter Madilynn Canastra. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Mary Lou Jordan and Patricia Vitouski; her brother- and sister-in-law, Joe and Maureen Brodt; many nieces and nephews; and so many treasured friends.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Genny’s life on Thursday, June 27, at The Church of St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s in Hudson Falls. Genny’s family will welcome guests beginning at 10 a.m., with a funeral mass to follow at 11. Interment will be immediately following the mass at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Fort Edward. A reception will follow at Sunnyside & Ridge Event Center in Queensbury.
Donations in Genny’s memory may be made to the Living for Mia Foundation, 203 Dean Rd., Hudson Falls, NY 12839, in reflection of Genny’s long friendship with the Whalen and Nassivera families.
Arrangements have been entrusted with the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.
