Mary (Ferrante) Genovese died peacefully Sunday, December 3rd 2023 at her home surrounded by family. Born November 22, 1930, Mary was the eldest child of Salvatore and Stella Ferrante of Grand Rapids, MI.
Mary grew up in Grand Rapids and attended Jefferson Elementary School and South High School. As a teenager, she had fun working as a soda jerk, perfecting her milkshakes, malts and floats. She met the love of her life, Jack Genovese, at a family party where he was a guest of one of her cousins. They married October 8, 1949 and enjoyed 42 years of marriage until his passing in 1991.
She is survived by their three children: Salvatore Genovese and his wife Dion of Sarasota, FL; Jack Genovese and his wife Elisa of San Antonio, TX; and Jill Ignatowich and her husband Bill of Ridgefield, CT. Mary also leaves six beautiful grandchildren: Maria Genovese Cater (Sean); Christina Genovese Werneck (Bruno); Jack Genovese; Michael Ignatowich (Allison); Steven Ignatowich; and Daniel Ignatowich. She was delighted to know that two great grandchildren are on their way! Mary also leaves her sister and best friend, Rosalie Cook, brother Joseph Ferrante, sister-in-law Earlene Ferrante, sister-in-law Angie Mills, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Angelo Ferrante.
Mary and Jack raised their three young children in Grand Rapids and Bloomfield Hills, MI before relocating to Ridgefield, CT in 1975. Mary and Jack had a wonderful social life in Michigan, frequently getting together with family and friends to share a meal or celebrate a special occasion. The family loved a good road trip, and visited many theme parks and national parks. After their move to Connecticut, the family frequently jumped in the car and traveled the twelve hours to Michigan to attend holidays, weddings and family reunions. “Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night” would deter these journeys. Mary enjoyed creating a beautiful home for her family, cooking wonderful meals, shopping, socializing with family and friends, and attending any of her children’s and grandchildren’s activities. She was a long-time communicant of St. Mary Church. Mary cherished every experience, conversation and moment spent with her family. She felt very blessed and was extremely grateful for her family, and for her long, happy, and healthy life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society (online or PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741), St. Mary Parish, 55 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877, or the charity of your choice.