Imogene “Gene” Wright

Imogene (Gene) Wright passed away Sunday, March 9, 2014, at Hilltop Nursing Center. She was a kind, gentle soul-a true lady. She was born Imogene Kaufman on November 14, 1919, in Mendota, Illinois and graduated from New Trier High School, Evanston, Illinois. Gene and Gilbert (Bill) Wright married in 1943 and raised four children. They lived in Wilmette, Illinois; Poughkeepsie, New York; and Endwell, New York. The couple enjoyed golf, bridge, and world travel until Bill’s death in 1990. Gene continued to golf, play bridge, and travel the world after his death. Gene’s life and travels are well documented in her sixty plus-year Christmas card collection that friends and family remember receiving over the years. She began the tradition with the birth of her twins, and it ended when she entered Hilltop Nursing Home, a lifetime. Gene was an active participant in PEO, Endwell Garden Club, the Binghamton Monday Afternoon Club, LOCA, and Lyceum. Gene loved drama and acted in many school plays. She used her acting talents in her many book reviews. She was well known for her creative craft skills. Everyone looked forward to her famous homemade, artfully decorated Santa Cookies for Christmas. She loved elephants, hot-air balloons, butterflies, and chocolate. Her family cherishes her exotic elephant collection-“the stampede”. Gene was a devoted mother to her four children who survive her: Lee (John) Hipsher, Lynne (Tom) Kodey, Beth Wright, and Don (Barbara) Wright. She had four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank the United Methodist Homes JGJ Unit 2 for their compassionate care over the last two years.
The family will receive friends Friday from 4-6 pm at the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott. A celebration of her life service will follow. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the charity of your choice.