Mary Elizabeth Rose Geist, age 89, of Mishawaka, passed away Friday, February 24, 2012 surrounded by her family in her home. Mary was born July 23, 1922 to the late Matthew and Ruth (Landau) Mazurkiewicz in South Bend, Indiana. On November 6, 1940, she married Francis Geist. They celebrated 70 years of marriage before his passing in 2010.
Surviving are her children, Margaret "Martie" Bernicky of Old Town, Florida, and Norman Geist Sr. of Mishawaka. Also surviving are her siblings, Matthew "Shorty" Mazurkiewicz, John Mazurkiewicz, Billy Mazurkiewicz, Kathryn Besinger, Doris Lehman, Clara Stickles, Helen Dudeck, and Joan Ransberger. Surviving as well are 6 grandchildren; Rod (fiance, Maria) Bendit, Keith (Nancy) Bernicky, Naaman Geist, Nathan (Carmen) Geist, Rachel (Joshua) Reid and Jude (Shauna) Geist, along with 11 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren. Preceding her in death was her son in law Jim Bernicky, her daughter in law Cheryl Geist, a grandchild, Norman Geist Jr. and 3 great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 4-8 pm Monday, February 27, 2012 at Chapel Hill Funeral Home in Osceola. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at Chapel Hill, with interment to follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.
Mary was a charitable and giving woman, who understood the value of family. She loved her family very much, and always remembered their birthdays and anniversaries with a special card or note.
In her memory, donations may be given to the Center for Hospice, 111 Sunnybrook Ct. South Bend, Indiana 46635.
"For ease and simplicity in ordering sympathy floral arrangements online, from the comfort and convenience of your home or office, please visit our website at www.memorygardensfloral.com. Numerous photographs for you to browse and a price range for every budget. This is a local floral ordering service and is under the complete direction and supervision of the staff at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home."