Genie Genesis Verge of Littleton and Rye N.H., died
peacefully Friday, Feb. 25, 2011, with her life partner at her
bedside. She was born Oct. 11, 1940, in St. Johnsbury. Genie
was the eldest of seven children born to Helen (Lavature) and Napoleon Verge.
A 1958 graduate of St. Johnsbury Academy, Genie earned a
Bachelor of Arts degree from New England College and a
master's degree and certificate of advance studies in
psychotherapy and counseling from the University of Maine
(Orono). She had completed all of her course work for her
Ph.D. Her professional life was one of challenge and
entrepreneurial accomplishment and included assignments
as personal assistant to New Hampshire Sen. Norris Cotton,
owner/operator of a health and fitness spa and an instructor
of yoga. She was a licensed insurance underwriter and
developed pension plans in a four-state area. She started and
operated a professional placement agency for engineers and
technical writers. She later opened her own design studio.
Genie was proud of her Native American heritage and
embraced her Missisquoi Abenaki origins. As a
psychotherapist, perhaps her most rewarding efforts were
those spent counseling and directing the outreach program
to off-reservation Native Americans residing in central and coastal Maine.
Genie's eye for color and design were vital to her success as
an interior designer and a major contributor to the
development and success of T.J. Burke Vintage Oriental Rug
Co. of Bangor, Maine, Littleton and Rye, N.H. She was a fine
artist, expressing her talents in oil paintings and watercolors.
Her interest in fine arts led her to becoming involved in the
presentation of theater and classical music. She performed
on stage and served as a member of the board of directors of
Weathervane Theater. She also served on the board of North
Country Chamber Players. Genie was currently serving as
vice president of the board of directors of the Littleton Studio School.
She is survived by her life partner of 22-1/2 years, Thomas J.
Burke of Littleton, N.H.; her two children, son Michael Verge,
wife Tracey and their two children, McKenna and Hunter
Napoleon of St. Johnsbury, daughter Michelle Verge and Matt
Graham of Newark and four children, Krystle, Joshua, Craig
and Noah; her two great-grandchildren, Aiden and Zandyn;
six siblings, Edward, David, Jacqueline, Donna, Paula and Poley.
A celebration of Genie's life will be observed in St Johnsbury
with a gathering of family and friends at Sayles Funeral
Home on Thursday, March 3 from 4 to 6 p.m.
A memorial Mass will be celebrated in Littleton on Friday,
March 4 at 10 a.m. at St Rose of Lima Catholic Church, High Street.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to either: The
Weathervane Theatre, P.O. Box 127 Whitefield, NH 03598; or the Studio School, Littleton, NH 03561
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