Genevieve B. “Gene” Freres, nee Blameuser, age 98, of Skokie, died July 14, 2019, at The Lutheran Home, Arlington Hts., IL. Mrs. Freres, a retired clerk at Skokie’s Ace Hardware, was born September 14, 1920, to John Bernard and Magdalen, nee Kellen, Blameuser in Tessville (now Lincolnwood), IL. Beloved wife of the late MathiasContinue Reading
Genevieve B. “Gene” Freres, nee Blameuser, age 98, of Skokie, died July 14, 2019, at The Lutheran Home, Arlington Hts., IL. Mrs. Freres, a retired clerk at Skokie’s Ace Hardware, was born September 14, 1920, to John Bernard and Magdalen, nee Kellen, Blameuser in Tessville (now Lincolnwood), IL.
Beloved wife of the late Mathias “Yie”; dear mother of Ronald J. (Bernadette), Sharon (Le) Mellin, Maureen (Bill) Villont, and Gregory (Andrea); loving grandmother of Sandy, Sean, Lisa, Laura, Michelle, Leanne, Eric, Tammy, Kevin, Lindsey, and Lauren; cherished great-grandmother of twenty-eight; dearest great-great-grandmother of two; fond sister of the late Madelen Bennett and Jeanette Blameuser; dear friend and companion of the late John Faber.
Raised by loving grandparents after losing both parents at age five, Gene lived a long wonderful life blessed by a beautiful family and many close friends.
People will remember Gene for her beautiful smile, charming personality, good nature, her artistic and photographic talent, a quick wit, and her unending “no fear” attitude and exuberance for life.
She loved every animal on the planet, listening to music, traveling and recording the new scenery on film, riding rollercoasters (well into her 70’s), and spending quality time celebrating not only the big milestones in life, but also the smallest moments with family and friends.
Gene was proud of her family, but was also proud of the variety of jobs throughout her career including dental assistant, sales at Margie’s Bridals, and her happiest days working alongside her husband “Yie” and the whole Ace Hardware “family” in downtown Skokie.
Although most of her closest friends have passed on before her, she leaves behind a legacy as the “fun” Mom and Grandma to her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
Gene will also be remembered fondly by her caregivers at the Lutheran Home during her final 14 years in Alzheimer’s care. Blessings to all of mom’s caregivers throughout her journey, but especially to caregiver Elvy for seeing Gene (and close companion John Faber) through the early stages while still living a full life at home in Skokie.
Visitation, Thursday, July 18, 2019, from 9 a.m. until time of Prayers, 10:15 a.m., at HABEN Funeral Home & Crematory, 8057 Niles Center Rd., Skokie. Funeral Mass, 10:30 a.m., at St. Peter Catholic Church, 8100 Niles Center Rd., Skokie. Interment, St. Peter Catholic Cemetery, Skokie.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association, 8430 W. Bryn Mawr Av., Suite 800, Chicago, IL, 60631 or The Heartland Hospice Memorial Fund, 2100 Sanders Rd., Suite 100, Northbrook, IL, 60062.
Funeral info: 847.673.6111.
Joani (Jorgenson) Banner
left a message on July 15, 2019:
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Joani (Jorgenson) Banner
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