Genevieve M. "Jenny" (Hart) Calandra

Genevieve (Jenny) Calandra Country Club Road Cresson passed away peacefully in her home on October 25, 2021. Born June 18, 1932, in Cresson, she was the daughter of the late Cyril and Marie (Fisher) Hart. She is survived by her husband, John (Jack) Michael, of sixty-six years whom she married October 8, 1955 in Cresson; and her six children MaryAnn Shaw (Walter Shaw), Lilly PA; Paul Calandra (Maureen Maruca), Loretto, PA; Joan Calandra, Los Angeles, CA; Michael Calandra (Karen Cicero), Pittsburgh PA; Anthony Calandra (Tamara Batche), Alexandria VA; and Carol Lawrence (Bryan Lawrence), Leawood KS; and  ten grandchildren; Christopher Shaw (Susan), Jonathan Shaw (Amber), Samantha Hackenberg (Eric), Christina Companey (Shane), Mark Calandra, Alexis Calandra, John Robert (Dante) Calandra, Alexandria Lawrence, Mackenzie Lawrence, and Jack Lawrence. Great grandchildren William and Joseph (Joey) Shaw; Marion, Lucas, and Kevin Hackenberg; and her faithful cat, Ella.

Jenny’s optimism, love of life, compassion and calm spirit left an impression on the hearts of many. She was a loving wife, mother and nana who cherished her family. Jenny was a devout and active member of the Saint Aloysius Catholic Church in Cresson. She was a member and leader of the Legion of Mary for over 40 years. Jenny served for many years as a Eucharistic minister delivering the sacred body of Christ to those in the area that were homebound.

Following her graduation in 1953 from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Johnstown, PA Jenny worked as a Registered Nurse (RN) at the Cresson Sanatorium, caring for the many hospitalized tuberculous patients. Her nursing career also included working at Nason hospital in Roaring Springs, PA. She served on the American Red Cross working as an RN during blood drives. Throughout her life she maintained a love and respect for the nursing profession. In the 1990s, Jenny was appointed as Chairperson of the Board of the Home Nursing Agency and the Visiting Nursing Association. She worked as a volunteer organizing services throughout Cambria County. 

Jenny was an adventurer, full of life and vigor. In high school she was a drummer in the marching band and a standout athlete on the basketball court. In the late 1960’s a new sport emerged and was embraced by Jack and Jenny, they spent their crisp winter days riding snowmobiles through the backwoods of western Pennsylvania.

An excellent golfer in her own right, she won the Summit Country Club Women’s Club Championship in 1986. Jack and Jenny both won their respective Club Championships (mens/womens) in the same year, a feat not repeated to this day by a husband and wife at the Summit. Jenny was also an avid tennis player and cross-country skier. She spent many hours on the court with Jack and her friends in the summer and indoors on courts at the Altoona Racquet Club in the winter. Some other favorite activities included bird watching at the many feeders in her backyard and playing bridge with her special group of friends for over 50 years. She and Jack spent many happy times traveling the world together, but always loved returning to their home in Cresson.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2 pm Friday at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Cresson the Rev. Leo Arnone celebrant. Committal St. Francis Xavier Cemetery. Friends will be received from 4 to 8 pm Thursday at Gibbons Funeral Home, 301 Church Street, Gallitzin where a vigil service will be held Thursday.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Genevieve M. "Jenny" (Hart) Calandra, please visit our floral store.