Mary Ann Genetti

1950 - 2011

Mary Ann Genetti

Mary Ann Genetti, 61, of Belleville, Ill., born March 31, 1950, in Little Rock, Ark., departed this life on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2011, surrounded by her loving family.

Mary Ann graduated from Althoff Catholic High School in 1968. She was the first female student at Althoff to become class president. She attended the University of Kansas and, during the summer months, worked as a social worker in East St. Louis, Ill. She also toured the United States one summer with the USO. After graduating, she moved to New York City to pursue a career as an aspiring actress. While in New York, she also taught at several city high schools. She strived to advance her students academically and emotionally as many of them experienced a life of unfavorable circumstances. While visiting home during the holidays, she always organized family plays with the younger children to present to the adults.

Mary Ann later moved to Oak Park, Ill., which became a very special place in her life as she developed many close friendships. She taught English as a second language at Triton College to newly arrived people from other countries. Again, she demonstrated excellence in teaching others from very diverse backgrounds, often teaching 25 students from 20 different countries at once. While at Triton College, she was recognized as Outstanding Teacher of the Year.

After being afflicted with a debilitating illness, it was necessary for Mary Ann to move back to the Belleville area. While her physical capabilities decreased, she maintained a strong, positive attitude about life. Her mind was sharp, always remembering dates, events, birthdays, movies, and authors. She never complained when it seemed she often had reason to complain. She made the most of what she had in life. A generous and caring person, Mary Ann was a true inspiration to family and friends who knew her throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her mother, LaVerne M., nee Gonder, Genetti.

Surviving are her daughter, Olivia Genetti Donovan of Oak Park, Ill.; her father, Jack J. Genetti of Belleville, Ill.; a brother, John (Karin) Genetti of Mountain Center, Calif.; three sisters, Theresa (Don) Walterbach of Manchester, Mo., Catherine Genetti of Brentwood, Mo., and Joan (Nick) Gehrs of St. Charles, Mo.; 10 nieces and nephews, Michael (Renee) Genetti, Elizabeth Genetti, Christina Genetti, Melissa Genetti, Joseph Walterbach, Philip Walterbach, Mary Margaret Walterbach, Andrew Genetti, Clare Gehrs, and Kate Gehrs; and a great-nephew, Luke Genetti.

The Genetti family would like to especially thank the staff at Cedar Ridge Healthcare Center in Lebanon, Ill., who provided outstanding care and friendship to Mary Ann. We would also like to thank the Heartland Hospice team who helped ease the burden of her final days.

Memorials may be made to Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Grade School, Belleville, Ill., the Catholic Urban Program, or the Poor Clare Monastery. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation: Friends may call from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Belleville, Ill.

Funeral: A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Belleville, Ill., with Father Jack McEvilly and Father Donald Blaes concelebrating. According to Mary Ann's wishes, her body was donated to St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Mo.

GEORGE RENNER & SONS FUNERAL HOME, Belleville, Ill.