Mary T. Geniesse
Mary T. Geniesse
MENOMINEE — Mary T. Geniesse, 96 of Menominee passed away surrounded by her family on Saturday February 7, 2026 at Rennes Health & Rehab Center – West in Peshtigo. Mary Theresa Lippens was born on September 5, 1929 in Maple Ridge, Delta County, MI to Adolph and Sabilla (Lafout) Lippens. Mary was the oldest girl of 14 children. She stayed home after 8th grade to help take care of her many siblings. On May 8, 1948, Mary married John H. Geniesse in Perkins, MI. They were married for 63 years and resided in Menominee where they raised their 8 children.
Mary loved her children and great grandchildren very much. She was proud of all of them. Mary cherished the times when everyone came to visit. She could always be found crocheting and afghan or washcloths for someone. Every new baby in the family received one of her beautiful afghans while she could still manage to make them. Mary was a member of the hospital auxiliary for 45 years, making many prayer shawls and other crafts, and American Legion Auxiliary for 69 years. Her catholic faith was very important to her. Mary was a faithful member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church where she volunteered many hours for funeral luncheons and other events.
Mary loved to play games “Farkle” was her favorite, and she always won! She further enjoyed going to the casino with family and friends, golfing with her husband and friends and doing puzzles. Mary was a social butterfly and made friends quickly. Getting together with her family and friends is what Mary enjoyed most.
Mary had 8 children: George (Susie) Geniesse of Milwaukee, WI, Richard Geniesse of Menominee, MI, Patricia (Honor) Smith of Huber Heights, OH, Peter (Diane) Geniesse, Sandra (Tom) Dault, Diane (Lewis) Keinetz of Chatham, MI, Rose Geniesse of Fremont, WI and Mary (Steve) Forgette of Menominee, MI; 28 grandchildren; 44 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren with one more on the way. She was excited to hear about the 4th great great grandchild coming! Surviving siblings; Germain Taylor, Albert Lippens, John Lippens, Adolph Lippens, Jr., Joe Lippens, Barbara Sheedlo, and Bernice Caron.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents: Adolph Lippens Sr. & Sabilla Lippens (Lafaut); her husband: John H. Geniesse; daughter: Sandra Dault; and son: Peter Geniesse; and her five siblings: Benny Lippens, Phil Lippens, Rene Lippens, Irene Barron, and Alice Solis.
Visitation for Mary will be held at Cadieu Funeral Home on Sunday February 15, 2026 from 3:00 pm until time of Vigil prayer service at 6:30 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday February 16, 2026 at 10:00 am at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Birch Creek with Father Alan Mott officiating. A luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall. Burial will be alongside her husband John in Riverside Cemetery, Menominee.
Mary’s family would like to say a special thank you to the Cottages in Marinette, Aurora Medical Center-Bay Area in Marinette, Rennes West in Peshtigo and Compassus Hospice Care. All the staff were exceptional in taking care of Mary.