Genevieve “Vee” Baptista, 97, passed away Feb. 14 in San Diego. Genevieve was born and raised in Hughson  to parents Joe and Conceicao Baptista.  She married Enos Baptista in 1930, and was married for 55 years until he passed away.  In 1940, Enos and Genevieve moved to Los Banos where they started a life of farming.  They lived there until they retired to Santa Cruz, where she could be closer to her parents. After living in Oakdale for several years, she eventually moved back to Turlock. And at age 94, she moved to San Diego to be closer to her family.  Genevieve was an excellent cook, gardener and seamstress.  She loved her family and loved to have company.  She helped whoever needed help and was happy to do so.

She is survived by her daughter, Alice Splitstone (Mike, deceased) of San Diego; her grandchildren, Lisa Floyd (Randy) of San Diego and Michael Splitstone (Dorene) of Oakdale; and great grandchildren, Alyssa and Ryan Splitstone of Oakdale.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Enos Baptista; parents, Joe and Conceicao Baptista; and brothers, Antonio, Fernando and Ernest Baptista. 

There will be a Rosary at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 24 at Turlock Funeral Home, followed by a Celebration of Life.  A Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 25 at St. Anthony’s Church in Hughson, followed by a burial at Lakewood Memorial.  After the burial, a reception in her honor will be held in the hall at St. Anthony’s Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a charity close to your heart.