Kyrina "Nina" Genisman
Aug. 4, 1933-April 25, 2012
Portola Valley, California
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Nina Genisman’s absolute love of all the beauty that surrounded her is her legacy to all of the lives she touched.
On April 25 in the presence of her family’s love, Nina moved on to greener pastures.
Born on August 4, 1933, in Oakland, California, Nina had a life of passion for children and horses.
As a young woman, she competed at Madison Square Garden in New York City. This vibrant passion continued to lead her throughout her life of mentoring, teaching, judging, training and directing riding academies, including the direction of the early developmental stages of Spring Down Equestrian Center.
Nina met Robert Genisman in 1950 at a riding academy in New Jersey. They rode in competition against each other -- "with Nina always winning,” according to Bob.
When Nina’s family returned to Oakland, she worked at St. Francis Riding Academy in San Francisco. Bob joined the Navy and completed his 4-year military service.
Destiny stepped back in the picture, when immediately after getting off the ship, Bob found St. Francis and literally ran into Nina. The next loving chapter began when they were married in 1956.
Nina is survived by husband Robert Genisman; children Elizabeth Huber, David Genisman, Linda and David Belleville; grandchildren Joshua Converse, Russell Belleville, Erin Belleville, Ryan Huber, Jessie Huber; great-grandchildren Alexandra Converse, Mercy Converse and Emery Huber; siblings Suzie Mason, William Curley, Judy Ranzer; as well as her loving in-law family. Nina was predeceased in childhood by her sister, Jean Curley.
A Celebration of Nina’s Life will be held Sunday, May 20, 2012, at 3:00 pm at Spring Down Equestrian Center, 725 Portola Road, Portola Valley, California.
For those who wish to honor Nina, the family suggests tax-deductible donations to the therapeutic center DreamPower Horsemanship, 12425 Foothill Ave. #8, San Martin, CA 95046. Donations may also be made online via PayPal at www.dreampowerhorsemanship.com