Sister Genevieve Underwood

Message from the President

June 9, 2021

Dear LMU Community:

I am saddened to share that Sister Genevieve Underwood, R.S.H.M., emeritus professor of art and art history, passed away on May 26, 2021, at Regina Residence in Orange, California. She was 96 years old.

Sister Genevieve joined Marymount College in 1960 in the Art and Art History Department where she taught studio arts and art history. For an interim period of four years, she ministered with the R.S.H.M. sisters in Mexico. She returned to Marymount College in 1970, joined LMU with the merger, and taught until her retirement in 1986. In 1977, she served a term as chair of the department. Sister Genevieve’s sculptures and stained-glass works can be found in churches, hospitals, and schools throughout Southern California. Her evocative stained-glass window, “In the Beginning,” graces the front of the chapel in our Marymount Center for Prayer and Peace.

Each year the LMU College of Communication and Fine Arts recognizes a student with the Genevieve Underwood, R.S.H.M. Perpetual Trophy and Award for Service in honor of Sister Genevieve’s commitment to generous action. Before joining LMU, she taught at R.S.H.M. schools in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and other locales. She also coordinated a program for orphaned children in Acolman, Mexico. In 2000, she received the papal Benemerenti Award for serving the Church with distinction.

Sister Genevieve entered the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary in Tarrytown, New York, in 1943, beginning her lifelong devotion to her faith and her sisters religious. She earned her M.F.A. from Catholic University in Washington, D.C., and her B.A. from Marymount College in Tarrytown.

In lieu of flowers, the R.S.H.M. ask that contributions be made to their Retirement Fund and sent to: Area Administration Center, 441 North Garfield Avenue, Montebello,
CA 90640.

Burial arrangements at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City are pending.

Please keep Sister Genevieve, her family, and her many friends in your prayers.

Sincerely,

Timothy Law Snyder, Ph.D.
President