Georgene Julia Goethals Albert's Obituary
On Saturday January 23, 2021, Georgene Julia Goethals Albert, beloved sister, mother, and grandmother passed away after a seven-year battle with Alzheimer’s at the age of 87 in Longview, Texas. She was born on September 26, 1933 to Margaret and George Goethals in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Georgene’s father George, a first-generation American with parents from Belgium, passed away when she was young. With her mother’s marriage to William Bresnahan, the family moved to Meridian, Mississippi, where her brother Robert Bresnahan was born.
Georgene graduated with a B.A. in English from The University of Southern Mississippi, where she was President of her Delta Delta Delta sorority. There she met the love of her life, Kenneth Manfred Albert, of Houston, Texas, a graduate of both Rice University and Lamar High School, and a lieutenant in the US Navy then stationed in Gulfport, Mississippi. In 1955 following their marriage, Georgene and Ken moved to Houston, Texas, where he began his career as a mechanical engineer.
While in the Houston area, Georgene and Ken had their first two children, Stephen and Stacy, before moving in 1963 to Longview, Texas for Ken’s long-term career at Kodak’s Eastman Chemicals. They lived happily in Longview and had their youngest son Charles after moving to Longview.
With a genuine love for teaching, Georgene became an educator in 1969 and later graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a Masters of Education. For many years, Georgene taught elementary school at Longview and Pine Tree ISDs. She had a lasting impact on generations of students and their families, and many of her closest friends were her fellow educators throughout her career.
Highly active and involved in the community, Georgene enjoyed all forms of exercise and the outdoors. A devout Catholic, Georgene gave much of her time and energy to St. Mary’s Catholic Church. In the Christian faith, it can be said that what most defines a person’s life is the amount of love they give to the world. There are countless stories of Georgene’s genuine care and love for her community, her friends, her family, her students, and even complete strangers to whom she would offer her attention, energy, resources, time, and encouragement as a selfless and humble servant of God.
Georgene enjoyed cooking, had many friends, played Bunco and other games with friends, had a smile that could light up a room, laughed often, was highly inquisitive, and was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Georgene cared deeply about her family as evidenced by the many photographs and memorabilia proudly displayed throughout her house of her family and loved ones. She demonstrated encouragement, acceptance, humility, compassion, and respect to all.
Georgene is survived by her loving family: husband Kenneth; three children:, son Stephen Albert (wife Cynthia) of Houston, TX, daughter Stacy Jerrett of Stephenville, TX, and son Charley Albert of Longview, TX; six grandchildren, Virginia Albert, Warren Albert, Tanner Jerrett, Trace Jerrett, Nicholas Albert, and Noah Albert; and brother Robert Bresnahan (wife Deb) of Meridian, MS.
Due to COVID concerns, a private service will be held for the immediate family only. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Heartsway Hospice of Longview in Georgene’s memory.
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