Gene grew up in Edmonds where she attended Edmonds High School, then studied at Washington State University and received a Bachelor of Arts degree. Her career includes being a Head Start Director, Regional Director for a Welfare/Refugee Services program, volunteering as catechist, teaching 5th grade faith formation, and currently helping at her home parish, Holy Rosary in Edmonds. Gene recently moved back from San Diego to care for her mother and now is the Pastoral Assisant for Administration for St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.