Genevieve Reckamp's Obituary
Genevieve Reckamp, age 99, passed away April 20, 2026 in University Place WA. She was born June 6, 1926 in Mcintosh, SD. Her family moved to Boise ID and then to Lakewood WA where she finished high school.
During WWII she worked as an airplane mechanic which helped her put herself through college. She received her BS from Washington State College and her Masters from Stanford. She also attended Multnomah School of the Bible.
Genevieve enjoyed being an educator. She taught in Ellensburg, Bellevue, and England where her love of travel began. She returned to Seattle in 1955 where she taught grades 3 through 7. In 1966 she was appointed Vice Principal at Columbia Elementary. She went on to become principal at Webster Elementary and Lafayette Elementary where after 33 years in education she retired.
Genevieve loved birds. She was active in Seattle Audubon and in 2002 received the President’s Award ‘In recognition of 17 years of humor, flexibility, dedication and generous volunteerism, including 12 years as chair of the Earthcore Mailing Team.’ She traveled the world birding. In her last years she daily went to the duck pond in the front of her assisted living facility to feed the ducks. Everyone knew that the ducks must be fed before any other activity that day.
Genevieve was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Mabel Reckamp, her sister Virginia Herstrom and her brother John Reckamp. She is survived by nieces and nephews who will deeply miss her.
Per her request there will be no service. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Birds Connect Seattle.
What’s your fondest memory of Genevieve?
What’s a lesson you learned from Genevieve?
Share a story where Genevieve's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Genevieve you’ll never forget.
How did Genevieve make you smile?