Eugenia Riordan Mulé

1931 - 2022

Born on Christmas Eve, 1931, Eugenia ("Genie") Riordan Mulé was the light and love of her family and friends for her 90 plus years. Genie died on January 6th, 2022, on the Feast of the Epiphany. She followed the Star and was truly a light in this world.
Genie literally grew up in the Catholic Church. Her father, Rev. Michael B. Warady (1897 – 1987) was ordained in the Byzantine Rite Catholic Church in June, 1924, shortly after marrying Hungarian-born Elizabeth Zombory (1903 – 1975). They had their second daughter, Genie, when Rev. Warady was pastor of St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church, in Weirton, West Virginia.
Genie adored her two sisters, Andrea Volpicelli (1927 – 2002) and Sylvia Palmer (Joseph) of Annapolis, Maryland. Genie and her sisters enjoyed making their mother's traditional recipes, such as chicken paprikash, pecan cookies, nut rolls and sweet Easter bread. This tradition has been passed on through the generations.
After graduation from St. John's High School in Pittston, Pennsylvania, Genie earned her degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Marywood College in 1953. She put her degree to work as a professional dietician at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, New York.
In 1955, Genie married her first husband, Richard Riordan, and moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where their eldest and only son, William O'Brien Riordan (1956 – 1978), was born. Soon after, Genie and Dick relocated to South Pasadena, California where their four girls were born: Mary Elizabeth Riordan of Santa Barbara, Kathleen Ann Riordan of Ojai, Patricia Riordan Torrey (Dana) of Manhattan Beach and Carol Ann Riordan (1963 – 1982). A full-time mom of five, Genie and family moved to their home on Edgewood Drive where she lived for almost 30 years. Genie often hosted guests, some who stayed for a day, some for a summer, and some for years. Genie cherished sharing her joy of musical theater, dancing, playing the piano and singing with her family. Her love extended to all, including the family's cats, dogs and the many other creatures who visited her beautiful garden.
In addition to summers with relatives in Pennsylvania and Maryland, Genie organized family trips to Lake Arrowhead, Mammoth, Jackson Hole, Japan, Puerto Vallarta and a four-month adventure of a lifetime through Europe with her parents and family in 1970. This was the first of many visits with Genie's Hungarian/Slovak family in what was then Czechoslovakia. Genie was the glue that kept this extended family together from California to the East Coast and now, Slovakia.
From personal medical challenges to the untimely deaths of her son, Billy, and daughter, Carol, Genie's faith and close relationships helped to guide the next chapter of her life. In 1984, Genie met her best friend and second husband, John Salvatore Mulé (1932 – 2009), whom she married the following year. Genie and John lived in Pasadena. Genie's family grew to include John's three children, John Mulé (Betsy) of Gilford, New Hampshire, Judi Hills (Kevin) of Valencia and Jill Hart (Bruce) of Hampton, New Hampshire.
One of Genie's biggest joys was spending time with her grandchildren: Luca Ferrel, Jessica Torrey, Elizabeth Torrey, Olivia Mulé, Stephanie Krist (Nate), Megan Leigha Hart and one great-grandson, Julien Krist. In addition, she leaves behind a myriad of loving nieces and nephews.
Genie was actively involved in many humanitarian, religious and charitable causes, including Mayfield School (where her children attended), Huntington Hospital, City of Hope, Resurrection Catholic Missions, Marywood College and St. Anne's Shrine.
Genie's smile and spirit continue to shine brightly as we imagine her dancing and singing in Heaven.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The National MS Society, 5150 W. Goldleaf Circle, Suite 400, Los Angeles, CA 90056.