Genevieve (Pruett) Andersen

Gennii Andersen, Kauai’s oldest woman veteran, died on Aug. 26, 2022. Known for her adventurous spirit and ready wit, she was 104.

Born Genevieve E. Pruett on Dec. 28, 1917, in Phoenix, Ariz., she earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a teaching credential. Though she taught high school briefly, Gennii knew it was not her calling.

Instead, she joined the U.S. Coast Guard, enlisting in February 1943 shortly after it opened its ranks to women. Serving with the U.S.C.G. Women’s Reserve, or SPARS, Gennii was an
extremely successful recruiter in both Kansas City, Mo., and Columbus, Ohio. Within a year she earned the rank of lieutenant (junior grade).

Gennii continued to make pioneering career choices, working as a police reporter at a radio station in Kansas City, Mo., where her beat including covering murders and the mob. While in Missouri, Gennii used the GI bill to get her private pilot’s license. She took the controls for the last time on Kauai in celebration of her 90th birthday.

After marrying Andy Andersen, the love of her life, Gennii lived in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains and worked for the U.S. Forest Service. The couple later enjoyed summers at their
cabin in Northern California, winters with the snowbirds in Yuma. Ariz., and traveling in their camp trailer.

Following Andy’s death, Gennii accepted a friend’s offer to house and pet sit on Kauai, which prompted her move to the Garden Island. She continued to care for houses and pets up through her 90s. She was a longtime member of the Mokihana Club and Lihue United Church and active in the Kauai veterans’ community.

Gennii was blessed with many faithful friends. Special thanks to Monet Blaine and Estrella Tesoro, who helped Gennii live independently until age 102, and to Annette Rivera, for her loving caregiving. She is survived by a step-grandson and step-great-granddaughter in California.

The USGS will scatter her ashes at sea in a private ceremony. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Kauai Humane Society or Kauai Veterans Center and Museum. A memorial plaque will be installed at Kauai Veterans Cemetery at a later date.

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