Rogene A. Vartanian saved Steven R. Wilson from drowning, Bodega, California, May 31, 1964. Steven, 9, waded fully clothed into rough surf in the Pacific Ocean in an area posted as too dangerous for swimming because of treacherous currents. He was submerged briefly by a breaker and called for help as he was carried away from shore. Miss Vartanian, 20, student, ran a 150 feet to the water’s edge, kicked off her shoes, and waded 10 feet into the surf. Impeded by her clothing, which included a heavy sweatshirt, she swam 70 feet toward Steven in waves five to six feet high. She continued 20 feet farther and reached Steven in water 40 feet deep as he worked his arms to stay afloat. Miss Vartanian obtained a hold across Steven’s chest and towed him shoreward. By the time she had towed him 30 feet she was tired and badly winded. Aided by the breakers but hindered by her water soaked clothing, she swam 40 feet farther with him. By then most of her strength was spent, and she swallowed some water when a breaker submerged them and another rolled them along the bottom. Others who meanwhile had formed a chain extending to 12 feet from shore were able to grasp them when Miss Varanian surfaced with Steven, nearly exhausted. Steven was carried to the beach. Miss Vartanian was aided toward shore but collapsed to her hands and knees. She crawled the rest of the way to the beach.
47294-4842Obituary
Rogene McCorquodale March 2, 1944 – February 22, 2023 Santa Rosa, CA – Longtime Santa Rosa resident Rogene “Genie” McCorquodale (nee Vartanian) passed away on February 22, 2023, surrounded by her loving family and dear friends. Genie was born March 2, 1944, in San Francisco, CA to Jack and Lorraine Vartanian. Genie’s older sister Sharon was five.
The Vartanians moved to Santa Rosa in 1947 where Jack and Lorraine opened a thriving business downtown. As a young girl, Genie’s father spent much time playing all sorts of sports with Genie and her beloved older sister Sharon. However, once her father taught she and Sharon how to swim, the girls spent endless summers swimming, competing in games with their father. Under her father’s tutelage the Genie loved and flourished at sports.
Once the family took residence in Santa Rosa, CA, Genie attended Little Ursuline, parochial School for girls formally located on the grounds of Saint Rose Cathedral. Genie went on to Saint Eugene’s Parochial School through 8th grade. Genie then attended Ursuline High School, a private Roman Catholic school for girls in Northeast Santa Rosa. Many of Genie’s classmates at Ursuline became lifelong friends and they created a wonderful support system for one another.
In 1963 Genie’s dear friend Madeline Antonini introduced Genie to Madeline’s neighbor, Donald “Don” McCorquodale. Genie and Don hit it off immediately as both enjoyed sports and became best friends.
In May 1964, when Genie was 20, she and Don went to enjoy a day at Doran Beach. Unbeknownst to them there were very strong sleeper waves crashing on the shores while they played volleyball. In what seemed like an instant, a young boy was caught in the under tow and was swept out to sea. By instinct Genie found the Pacific Ocean in her shorts and sweatshirt. Genie swam her most challenging feat. Genie ended up finding the drowning boy far out in the surf and she rescued him and swam them to safety in front of a crowd that had begun to gather (including park rangers) on the beach. Before long Genie was contacted by the Andrew Carnegie Foundation and honored with a reward and a medal. Genie was henceforth known as a Carnegie Hero.
Don and Genie soon married at Saint Eugene’s Cathedral on April 10, 1965. These were exciting times. Soon Genie gave birth to three children: Douglas III, Heather, and Stacy. Genie excelled at being a parent. She loved her children and was deeply involved in each of their lives from the moment they got up in the morning until they went to bed at night. She had exceptional culinary skills. Genie was forever, cooking healthy meals. Also, she loved playing sports and making crafts with her children. She often spoke of this time in her life being a stay-at-home mother as “heaven”.
Genie and Don settled in East Santa Rosa to raise their family. Genie and her sister Sharon were especially close, and they spent many summers vacationing and winters taking family ski trips with their families. When Genie’s children went off to college she went to work in sales and did quite well. As her children grew and her parents’ aged, Genie and her sister cared for their elderly parents during their last illnesses.
Genie never knew a stranger and frequently gave her time and talents to others. She spent many years donating her time to Saint Eugene’s School to help with fundraisers and church bazars. Everywhere she went people would light up when they saw her smile and bubbly personality, she moved through the world showing love and kindness. In later years, Genie received an early onset dementia diagnosis, but she did not give up. Genie set her intention to face the challenges of the disease with much resolve, a great sense of humor and managed to live her best life.
Genie is survived by her beloved husband Don of 58 years and their three children, their spouses (Zobida, Paul and Rob) as well as her adored grandchildren: Julia McCorquodale, Adam McCorquodale, Cara Campopiano and Charlotte Campopiano. Moreover, Genie always felt a special connection to Sharon’s children: Tina, Kelly and Linda and found much joy being involved in their lives.