Genevieve Wasek Obituary

Genevieve Wasek, 98 of N. Caldwell, N.J., passed away peacefully on Friday, February 27, 2026.

She was born in Passaic, N.J. to Martin and Julia (née Kopec) Skwiera. Raised in Passaic, Genevieve eventually made her home in North Caldwell. A devoted member of the community, Genevieve was one of the founding members of Notre Dame Church, where she remained an active parishioner throughout her life. Genevieve's greatest joy came from spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, creating lasting memories filled with laughter and love.

Genevieve was a beautiful woman with an expansive heart and a spirit as bright and hopeful as the first robins of spring. She lived her life with a rare combination of grace, sharp intelligence, and a legendary sense of humor that could light up any room.

For Genevieve, family wasn't just a word; it was her greatest passion. Her love was an umbrella that covered everyone-her children, her grandchildren, her beloved nieces and nephews, as well as extended family and friends.

She had a unique way of making everyone feel seen and supported. Whether it was a phone call or a quiet conversation, she wanted nothing more than for her family to be the best versions of themselves. She was a fierce proponent of higher education and a constant source of encouragement, providing the tools and the confidence for those she loved to go out and conquer the world.

On most days you could find Genevieve in her element: sipping a Dunkin' Donuts coffee while the sun came up, playing card games, laughing at the antics in Robin Hood: Men in Tights or immersed in the newspaper, carefully navigating the puzzles, the comics, and the stock market sections.

Genevieve's laugh was her superpower-a sound that signaled warmth, safety, and a life well-lived. She was a woman who cared deeply and thought of everyone's needs before her own, always ensuring that those around her had exactly what they needed to thrive.

She leaves us with full hearts and a thousand wonderful stories that will be told for generations to come.

She was predeceased by her parents, her three siblings, her beloved husband, Alexander P. Wasek, and her daughter, Karen Montanya. Genevieve is survived by her cherished children, Janice Wasek and Deborah Highet and husband Robert, her grandchildren, Erinn and husband John, David, Amanda and husband Chris, and Kyle and wife Victoria; as well as her treasured great-grandchildren, Jack, Makenna, Josie, Eila, Chase, and Emma.

Relatives and friends will be received on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 from 5-7 p.m. at Shook's Cedar Grove Funeral Home, 486 Pompton Ave., Cedar Grove. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 4 at 10:00 a.m. at Notre Dame Church, N. Caldwell. Kindly gather directly at the church. Interment will follow at St. Michael's Cemetery, S. Hackensack. Memories and condolences may be shared on shookscedargrove.com.