Genalin Fernandez Gipson

Genalin “Gena” Fernandez Gipson—a cherished mother, devoted grandma, and eldest sister—departed from this life on September 9, 2024. Gena was born on May 5, 1963 in Baguio City, Philippines, to the late Violeta (Fernandez) Fajardo of Lake Forest, California and Julio Sison of Toronto, Canada. In her early years, she was raised by her grandmother and among Violeta’s siblings, Josie Jacob and Roland Fernandez. Gena would later immigrate to Hawaii and California with her siblings, her mother, and her chosen and beloved stepfather—Bonifacio “Bonny” Fajardo—who also preceded her in death. Gena was an intelligent and hardworking individual. She attended Costa Mesa High School in Orange County, California before earning her Bachelor’s Degree from National University. She later graduated with a paralegal certificate from Coastline College and worked in many law firms for close to two decades. After developing a wanderlust later in life, Gena switched careers and held various travel industry jobs before she achieved her dream of becoming a travel agent. In her warm and welcoming nature, Gena always spread her passion for travel and delicious food to everyone who had the opportunity to know her. Some of her greatest joys came from trips around the globe, whether they were quick stays in Southern California, long treks throughout Italy, or solo travels to Jamaica. She was a quirky and fearless adventurer who always had an itinerary, a fun activity to do, or a great restaurant to visit. Food was truly one of her love languages, and she particularly enjoyed Filipino and Italian meals. Yet, perhaps Gena’s most defining characteristic was her devotion to love and to family. She had a never-ending well of dedication and forgiveness, which she used to remain steadfast in her two decades as a Marine Corps wife, and during the many times she worked two jobs to provide for her sons. As she grew older, her devotion to family would turn into happy hours with her sisters and the doting love she showered upon her granddaughters. She leaves behind a gentle-hearted legacy, and she is survived by her two sons, Jonathan Herndon and Robert “Bobby” Gipson; by her siblings, Violeta Copeland, Frank Fajardo, and Irene Box; and by her granddaughters, Sasha Grace Herndon and Eliora Ke’ai Herndon, who were the apple of her eye. To celebrate Gena’s beautiful life, a funeral will be held at 10:00am, October 5th at Great Commission Interdenominational Church, where the service will reflect both her Catholic and Christian spiritual practice. Arrangements have been made by Thomas & Jones funeral home. Gena’s journey on Earth may have ended, but she is now flying high with her parents Violeta and Bonny, traveling to all the beautiful places she could ever dream. Her spirit and warmth will shine forever. May her soul rest in eternal peace, always loved and remembered.

Genalin Fernandez Gipson

May 5, 1963 - September 9, 2024