Submitted by: John C. Monk

Genevieve J. Banfy

Dec. 9, 1921 - Jan. 29, 2010
MISHAWAKA - Genevieve J. Niesen Banfy, 88, passed away on Friday, January 29, 2010, in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka. Genevieve was born on December 9, 1921, in Kenosha, WI, the first of four siblings to William and Theresa (Kollmann) Niesen. She had lived in Kenosha until her marriage on November 17, 1951, to Dr. David Banfy. They lived in Brookville, IN, where her husband had his optometric practice. They moved to South Bend in 1971. He preceded her in death on November 15, 1988. She is survived by her two sons, Paul (Carolyn) Banfy and Mark (Beverly) Banfy, both of South Bend; and daughter, Generose (David) Urbanski of Fairfield, OH. There are six grandchildren, David and Kathleen Banfy, Emily and Earl Banfy, Lauren and Hannah Urbanski; also one great-granddaughter, Kaia Pinter. Also surviving are three sisters, Doris (William) Ruprecht of Cleveland, OH, Margaret (Edward) Lorenzen of Kenosha, WI, and Mary Anne Willoughby of Phoenix, AZ; and several nieces and nephews. Genevieve enjoyed reading, listening to music, sewing and crafts. For several years she attended classes at the Forever Learning Institute, was active in school activities as her children grew, and in her church organizations. She felt most humbled and honored to be an extra ordinary Eucharistic minister for many years. She always had a zest and interest in life, and continual learning, having written "Our Family's Life Story" for her children relating to their events and activities for their memories. She lived at the Linden House of Mishawaka until her death, having moved there in June 2001. Visitation will be on Friday, February 5, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka. A memorial Mass will be on Saturday, February 6, in St. Bavo Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m., with Rev. Jeffery Largent officiating. Memorial gifts in Genevieve's name would be appreciated to Sunday TV Mass - Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, 915 S. Clinton St., Fort Wayne, IN 46802; or to the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637. To leave the family an online condolence or to share memories with the family, please visit our website at www.hahnfuneralhomes.com.

Published in South Bend Tribune on January 31, 2010