Genneetta Murray Ione Black (nee Bull)
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Genneetta Murray Ione Black (nee Bull) on Thursday April 29, 2021, after a brief illness.
Genneetta was predeceased by her husband Jim, parents, Albert andMargaret Bull (nee Birkett), her beloved Auntie ‘B’Birkett and Auntie Vi Deyman, her best friends, Chuck Kiel and Marilyn Joyce, her sister Pauline Ardito and brother-in-law Paul Ardito. She is survived by her loving daughters, Sharon Black (Paul Lummiss) and Nancy, brother Paul Bull and sister-in-law Georgie Bull, sister-in-law Mebbie Black, cousins Janet and Gary Charlton, niece Darlene LeGree, and several nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Genneetta who was 90 at the time of her death grew up in the West End of Toronto, and always proudly referred to herself as a “Junction Kid.” It was there where she had her first foray into the world of commerce, working at the five and dime, and Ostrander’s Jewellers, among others. In her early twenties Genneetta auditioned for and was chosen to become a member of the chorus in the Barbara Ann Scott & The Hollywood Ice Revue. She enjoyed performing and travelling with the show, performing across Canada and the northern states. After three years she returned to Toronto and continued to follow her passion by becoming a figure skating coach. Over the course of several years she positively impacted the lives of innumerable skaters. In her final years she became a resident of St. Hilda’s Senior Care Community, at Dufferin and Eglinton. Genneetta greatly enjoyed her time at the residence. For those who wish, donations can be made in Genneetta Black’s name to seedsofhope.ca
Offer Condolence for the family of Genneetta Murray Ione Black (nee Bull)
Susan Chiu (Vallieres)
No matter how old we are, it’s never easy to lose a parent. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve.
Kris Dellio Hughston
Nancy and Sharon, no words can change the sadness you feel losing a parent. Just know that your Cotman Family will always be there for you. Your Mom raised two strong women who will carry on her legacy. I will always remember that Puff the Magic Dragon costume in the garage and getting in trouble for looking at it. Those were the days! Funny the things you remember as a kid. OR NAAAANNNCCCCYYYY being yelled at the top of her lungs when it was time to come home for dinner. LOL. I love the pic you chose with the skate on the wall. That’s the lady I remember! I’m sure she has laced up her skates and is doing laps on the ice up in heaven. RIP Mrs B ❤️
Sandy Lane
Dear Nancy and Sharon, I am so sorry to hear that cousin Genneetta has passed. I am thinking of you both and wishing you strength. I’ll keep the very fond memories I have on the skating rink with Genneetta close to my heart.
Nancy Black
Thank you Sandy. Please get the Toronto Star this Saturday May 8th it will have Mom your Cousin Genneetta’s obituary in it . I was going to try and call you to let you know personally yet things have been busy and got away from me. Sharon and I included you in Toronto Star obotuary on Saturday May 8th and do not want you to miss seeing obituary Hope you can pick up a Toronto Star Saturday May 8th out where you are? And during these challenging Covid 19 times hard to get out at times! Very lockdown in Toronto right now Thank you for your message of condolence and writing on this memory guest book. Means alot. Love you Cousin Sandy from Nancy and my sister, Sharon xoxo
Darlene LeGree
Sharon and Nancy, I am so sad to hear of Aunt Genneetta‘a passing. I have so many fond memories of your Mom from when I was young from the calls that I would pick up when she called for Mom and an hour later I would be still talking to her, to the notes that she would send in the mail for things that she knew you would be interested in – I loved those notes, to Christmas’ spent together. She was always so warm and loving and that is what I will hold in my heart. I am so sorry for your loss but I know she is up there with Mom having a great conversation.
Love you both.
Darlene
xoxo
Laura Van Wart
Nancy and Sharon,
Sorry to hear of the passing of Aunt Genneetta. She has moved on to join the angels that watch over us. Thank you for sharing the beautiful words and memories. We all have special memories of your mom. Especially Christmas and her deviled eggs. So many happy times, love you both, wish we could celebrate her life together. For now, XO virtual hug, cousin Laura.
Tom Milburn
Nancy and Sharon,
As I said on Facebook, I know you have a lot of wonderful memories to cherish. Nothing will ever replace those memories, and as I know from my own experience, those memories will only mean more to you as time goes on. Thinking of you with love. My best wishes to you both in a very difficult time.
David Ramsden
I’m so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. What a long and full life she lived. Thinking of all of you during this sorrowful time and sending you my love.
Marilyn Garshowitz
Nancy and Sharon
Sending you both prayers for comfort at this challenging time – the passing of your mother. May you both be surrounded by love and support.
Marilyn (Lynn)
Stephen Connell
Thank you for sharing the care of your mother with me . Nancy , you have been a wonderful arranger and supporter of your mother since I have known you and no doubt before . Sharon thank you for your care and sharing with us the details and love in the obituary. Dr Stephen Connell .
Adriana Brown
Dear Nancy and Sharon: So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Her fondness for our kids always shone through with her lovely notes to them letting them know what gardening she wanted done next. They always enjoyed talking with her, as did I.
You take care and look after yourselves.
Love, Adriana and Bob
Kimberley Gemmell
Dear Nancy and Sharon:
I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom. She was a wonderful person who tried to teach a terrible skater how to shoot the duck and always had time to chat when I delivered the paper. She will be missed.
Kimberley Gemmell
Diana
On behalf of the Falk family we would like to extend our condolences to both Sharon and Nancy. One of my fondest memories of your mom is sitting in an arena watching skating competitions and your mother being the first to applaud as well as being the loudest. It still makes me giggle thinking of that moment.
I once read a quote that said death ends a life but not a relationship. Seeing the nice things that people have written will keep her close in your heart.
Stay strong,
Diana
Darlene Keddy
Nancy, Sharon – you know Nita meant the world to me. So many visits, so many special mailed notes, watching skating, playing scrabble with her and mom. It goes on. I’m sure mom and Chuck met her with a beer and a laugh for “One Beer Bull”. Sending much love – Darlene Keddy
Louise Hourston
This is the closing of a chapter of life. Please accept my feelings for all of you who have been touch by her life.
Shiyana Hunter
A great loss to us all, but especially to the family. I never knew Geneetta, but heard Nancy speak of her often. She was a remarkable woman. My love to you all, and please be kind to yourselves.
Eric Drew
Nancy and Sharon, sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. My condolences to you both at this difficult time. My parents also send along their condolences.
Glenn Hunter
Hey Nancy and Sharon,
I have many fond memories of your mom. One I’ll share now.. when I was at your house once she made a sandwich for me. She had a special knife to cut the sandwich in half.
It had a very narrow blade. I just remember the look out of the corner of her eye when she was preparing the sandwich for me.. and a gentle smile.
We were both quiet for over a minute as she sliced it then slowly slid it over the table to me..
That sandwich knife was special.. Just like her.
That’s all..
Take care Gennetta
Susan Brannigan-Rampp
Sharon & Nancy,
I remember your mom when I was a kid on Cotman — always busy, always doing stuff with both of you and yes, skating came into it often going to lessons. Our hearts are with you xoxoxo
Love,
Susan
Liza Vespi
Dear Nancy,
Our heartfelt sympathies on the loss of your dear mother. May your memories of her provide comfort and joy.
With love,
Liza & Steve
Dave Demeda
Nancy and Sharon. I am sorry to hear about your mum passing away. It feels like it was only yesterday when all our worlds revolved around Cotman Cres and we were all one big extended Cotman family. As mentioned by others, I can still hear your mum shouting NANCY as soon as the street lights went on in her distinctly strong voice. I think we all thought we best get home when we heard her call. I also recall your mum helping us celebrate Christmas in the middle of the summer. She had just as much fun as we did. But most of all I remember how your mum always made me feel special, as if i was her favourite son.
She will we missed and remembered.
All the best from all of us, Dave, Lynn and Anya (and Haggie and Coco too) xx
Mary Demeda
Dear Nancy and Sharon, Passing on my condolences on the passing of your mother, Genneetta. She and I shared many years together as one of the Cotman originals, and as next-door neighbours.
Of all the memories, I seem to remember the time a raccoon fell through the attic onto her bedroom floor, and her running around the room trying to trap it. Eventually she broke the bedroom window and the raccoon ran out.
After a long and fruitful life, may your mom rest in peace.
Lovingly, Mary
Don Kawaguchi
Dear Nancy,
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. My condolences to you and your family. May your find memories comfort you.
Love,
Don
Maria Shaw
Dear Nancy and Sharon,
I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom. I will always remember the kindness of your Mom when she allowed me to stay with your family during some difficult times. I remember she loved to talk about her skating career and she would love to chat with us girls. I loved her stories about her travels and teaching skating. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Sharon during this difficult time and prayers Gennetta may rest in peace. I am sure she is skating with the angels now, no more suffering. She will be with you and send blessings for all of your dedication in making sure she was well cared for. She certainly did bless us all in that she raised two very strong and caring daughters that have been very dear friends to all of us.
Stu Charlton
Dear Nancy and Sharon
Cousin Nita was always smiling. That’s the one thing I remember most. She always seemed very happy having tea with Murray and Vi. I’m sorry for your loss. I know she’s in a better place smiling down on us all.
Moneca Kaiser
Dear Nancy,
My heart goes out to you and your family in this time of loss. Please forgive my tardy condolences, it’s strange how touched I am by your loss and needed some time to feel how to respond. I watched you watch over your mom these many years with courage and kindness and I admire you for your caring heart and service. I remember when your mom came to visit us when we lived on Guigues st and when I would call you while you lived with her we would always share a nice chat. I remember when my mom passed away when I was forty, it changed me. My signature actually changed too and the bank kept calling me in to verify my checks until it settled into a new me, a new me without a living mother gave me a kind of rebirth and I knew the greatest gift I could give my mom is to thrive. I believe your mom would wish this for you and Sharon her beloved daughters. I am so sorry for your losses and hope this will also herald a loving rebirth. Now we can soar for our moms. I send you my love and condolences and friendship always. You are a good friend to me and I would be so proud if you were my daughter, dear soul dear friend. May she rest in peace. Lovelu your dear friend Moneca
Nancy
Thank you my dear friend Moneca your words are beautiful. I brings me comfort. I love you and you will always be my sister even if not blood related. We known each other for so long and you always been a kind amd good friend. Love you so so much, Nance xoxo