Genevieve Frances Ocepek
June 28, 1930 ~ July 1, 2026
Born in: Cleveland, OH
Genevieve Frances Ocepek, age 96, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2026. She was born June 28, 1930 in Cleveland, to Steve and Frances (Cenky) Talpas. She married her husband Ted on June 18, 1949.
She initially lived in Cleveland and was very active with her church and school, and enjoyed chauffeuring the nuns around. Gen was well known for her talent in the kitchen. She loved to bake and was known for her cake decorating, nut horns, pineapple squares, and, of course, nut and poppyseed kolac. After moving out to Footville, she enjoyed gardening, canning and sharing that bounty with others. She was known in her community for organizing and cooking for the Ruritan spaghetti dinners, and her sauce recipe is still being used. She loved hosting a yearly family clambake, with tons of food, games and prizes for her dad’s birthday, which everyone looked forward to. As years passed, she devoted more time to church activities, such as daily Mass and Lenten fish dinners.
She leaves behind son Ken Ocepek (Yvonne Dilley) and daughters, Linda Oldani (Richard) and Sharon Field (Jamie); grandchildren, Nick (Keegan) and Kasey Ocepek, Steven (Paula), Gina and Peter (Barbie) Oldani, and Christian, Mary and Emma Field, as well as great-grandchildren Orion and Porter Ocepek, and Katherine Oldani.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Ted; son Thomas Ocepek and grandson, Thomas Oldani.
Friends will be received on Tuesday, July 7th from 5-8 pm at Behm Family Funeral Home, 26 River Street in Madison, Ohio. Funeral will take place on Wednesday, July 8th at 10 am at St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Parish (Sacred Heart),3049 St. Rt. 45, Rock Creek, Ohio. Everyone is welcome to stay for a luncheon at church after Mass, which will be followed by a funeral procession to All Souls Cemetery in Chardon.
Online obituary and guestbook at www.behmfuneral.com
Services
Visitation: Tuesday, July 7, 2026 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Behm Family Funeral Homes - Madison
26 River Street,
Madison, OH 44057
(440) 428-4401
Funeral Service: Wednesday, July 8, 2026 10:00 am
St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Parish (Sacred Heart)
3049 OH-45
Rock Creek, OH 44084
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Condolences to the entire family. My prayers are with you during this difficult time🙏
Her home was always a place of warmth and welcome. You never left hungry. Genevieve’s table was filled with delicious food that reflected her roots, and every meal was made with care and love. Looking back, it wasn’t just the food that nourished us, it was the feeling of being welcomed, cared for, and included. Laughter permeated the house, between Ted’s silly humor, Genevieve’s natural tell-you-how-it-is approach, or our crazy antics, there was never a shortage of smiles or teasing. Even during the moments when we might have found ourselves getting yelled at, you couldn’t help but notice Genevieve’s perfectly arched, meticulously manicured eyebrows expressing exactly what she was thinking. Somehow, even those moments are remembered with affection and a smile.
Most of all, Genevieve made people feel loved. Her love was present in the meals she prepared, the home she created, the family she cherished, and the countless memories she helped make. I will always be grateful for the time spent with Sharon on the farm and for the kindness and generosity that Genevieve so naturally shared with me. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, family, and hospitality that will never be forgotten. My heartfelt condolences and great big washing-machine-hugs to Sharon and the entire family. Genevieve will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.