Gena Mae Harry

June 23, 1925 — July 31, 2012

Gena Mae Harry, 87, of Cameron Park, Calif., passed away July 31, 2012, at home surrounded by family. She will always be remembered as a kind, gentle friend to many who she touched throughout her life. She was born June 23, 1925, in Ewing, Neb., the daughter of late Neola and Alfred Lee. She was their only child.

Gena graduated from San Jose State University in 1949 with a degree in Education. She married Robert R. (Bob) Harry on March 25, 1950, in Visalia, Calif. She taught elementary school in the early 1950s in Visalia before moving to Sacramento, Calif., in 1954, where she gave birth to her only child, Alan E. Harry, in 1955, after which she was a full time at-home mother. When Alan left to attend college she worked with Bob in the family business, Coastal Vending, and as clerical staff in admissions at Cabrillo College. She retired in 1992 when she and Bob moved to Cameron Park to enjoy their golden years together.

An avid traveler, Gena found England to be a special place and followed Queen Elizabeth’s reign throughout her life as well as the life of Princess Diana and her children. She was an exceptional friend, staying in touch with all those that had touched her life. She will also be remembered for her knowledge of people, places and things and her fabulous memory.

Mrs. Harry was a member of Sigma Kappa, Republican Women Federated and American Association of University Women. She is survived by her husband, Bob; sister-in-law, Betty Lawrence; son and daughter-in-law, Alan and Cathy Harry of Truckee, Calif.; grandchildren, Cameron Harry of Chico, Calif., Brendon Harry of San Francisco, Calif., Nicolas Pepper of San Jose, Calif., Adam and Winnie Pepper of San Jose, Calif., Jeremiah Pepper of Sunnyvale, Calif.; and great-great-daughter Sofia Pepper of San Jose, Calif.