Gena Irene Marvin's Obituary
Gena Irene Overlien Marvin, age 97, passed away peacefully on January 5 in Tallahassee, FL.
She and her twin sister Emma Eileen were born on April 26,1925, to Gena (Hortum) and Olaus
Overlien. The twins’ mother died giving birth to them so they and their other three siblings were
raised by their father and his sister Caroline in Black River Falls, WI.
Gena graduated from Milwaukee County General Hospital School of Nursing on November 4,
1946, and received a certificate in anesthesia from Wayne State University, Grace Hospital,
Detroit, MI, in January of 1952. She loved practicing as a nurse anesthetist in Michigan during
her 40-year career and treasured the friends she made at work. Gena lived her Christian faith
daily in her actions, prayers, and words. She loved worshipping God by singing, playing the
piano and organ, teaching Sunday school, holding women’s association events in her role as a
Presbyterian pastor’s wife, and attending First Presbyterian Church once she and John moved
to Tallahassee from Michigan in 1992. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends,
avidly watching the news, sewing, quilting, listening to music, and traveling with her husband.
Gena is fondly remembered for her gifts of hospitality, kindness, love, and her keen intelligence.
She is predeceased by her husband Rev. John Marvin and her siblings and their spouses.
Gena is survived by her children: Jay Marvin (Sigrid Brudie), grandsons Carter and Eric Marvin
of Anchorage, Alaska; Susan Marvin (former husband Allan Stodghill), grandchildren Claire
Stodghill Forjet (Jason Forjet), Jay Logan Stodghill, great grandson Aiden Forjet of Tallahassee;
and Rev. Martha Louise Marvin Harkness (Rev. David Harkness), grandsons John and Andrew
Harkness of Ossining, New York, Dr. Peter Harkness (Brenda), great grandsons Dylan and
Weston of Denver, CO.
The family thanks all of Gena’s friends for their kindness and prayers and the staff of
Westminster Oaks who loved and cared for her. Gena’s Service of Witness to the Resurrection
will be held on Saturday, February 11, 11 a.m., First Presbyterian Church, 110 N. Adams St.,
Tallahassee, FL 32301. Lifesong Funerals and Cremations is providing services to the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Presbyterian Mission,
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) PO Box 643700, Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700,
https://www.presbyterianmission.org/donate/E132192/ ; Habitat for Humanity, 322 West Lamar
Street Americus, Georgia 31709-3543 USA, https://www.habitat.org; or Bread for the World,
Attn: Membership Services P.O. Box 96416, Washington, DC 20090-6416,
https://www.bread.org/
What’s your fondest memory of Gena?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gena?
Share a story where Gena's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gena you’ll never forget.
How did Gena make you smile?