Mary Emma Swertfager Genung, 90, died peacefuly on Monday, December 19, 2016 at the New York State Veterans’ Home in Oxford, NY.
Born August 22, 1926, in Norwich, Mary was the daughter of John F. and Eva B. (Frink) Swertfager. Mary grew up on Merrill Street, in Norwich, and often spoke about her happiest memories with her brothers and sisters in their little Merritt Street house.
Upon graduation from Norwich High School, Mary went to work for Frair’s Gift Shop in Norwich. Shortly thereafter, in 1946, she married George R. Genung Sr., a WWII Navy veteran. George and Mary moved to Oxford, and for 60 years lived on Frankin Street where they raised two sons, George (Dick) Jr. and Douglas Genung.
Mary was a gifted and talented lady who was constantly on the go and active in her communities. She worked at the Hamilton House Furniture and Gift Shop, in Norwich, as its head purchaser. She would make several trips to New York City each year to buy the many fine gifts sold at the Hamilton House.
After “retiring” she worked at and managed the Chenango Memorial Hospital Auxiliary gift shop. Mary simultaneously coordinated bus trips for Covered Wagon Bus Tours for 20 years. One of her proudest accomplishments was her having traveled to all 50 U.S. states. She was often accompanied by her grandchildren, friends, and family on such trips.
Mary was a member of the Oxford American Legion Auxiliary Fort Hill Post 376, the Oxford Garden Club, and the First Baptist Church of Norwich. She was also an accomplished bowler, and last, but not least, a member of Mr. Chubb’s Coffee Club in Oxford.
At one point in her life, Mary came out of “retirement” when she was called to help veterans with her special talent of purchasing, staffing, and merchandising for the Veterans’ Home gift shop in Oxford. She voluntarily ran the gift shop there for many years, and was proud to have later expanded the gift shop. Mary spent the last years of her life as a resident of the Veterans’ Home. She was very happy residing there, made many friends, and “adopted” the staff and fellow residents as her second family.
Mary is survived by her grandchildren, Greg (Jennifer) Genung, Tobin Genung, Rhett (Melody) Genung, Amber Genung, Andrew (Erica) Genung, Joseph Genung, Maria (Joshua) Morales, Carlee Genung, Kristy (Evan) Rosen, and Jessica Murray; and great-grandchildren, Demi, Deanna, Haden, Brynn, Hannah, Kelsey, and William; and many nieces and nephews, including John “Pencil” Swertfager and his wife, Nancy.
In addition to her husband, George Sr., Mary was predeceased by her sons George (Dick) Jr. and Douglas Genung, sisters Matilda (Tillie) and Dorothy, and brothers Fred, Charles (Chic), Hugh, Ed, James, and Leland.
Mary’s family extends their sincere thanks to the nurses and staff at the Veterans’ Home in Oxford who made her final years enjoyable, and who cared for her like their own grandmother.
Funeral services for Mary will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on December 23, 2016, at the First Baptist Church of Norwich, where Rev. David Spiegel, pastor, will officate. There will be no calling hours. Burial will take place at Mt. Hope Cemetery in the spring.
Contributions in Mary’s memory may be made to the NYS Veterans’ Home Volunteer Guild, NYS Veterans’ Home, c/o Gift Shop, 4207 State Highway 220, Oxford, NY 13830, or to the First Baptist Church, 10 West Park Place, Norwich, NY 13815.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Wilson Funeral Home. To leave the family a message of condolence, please visit the funeral home website: www.wilsonfh.com.