Shirley A. Genge (nee Evans), 63, a longtime resident of Oak Park, died on Nov. 6, 2010 at Rush Medical Center. Born on March 7, 1947 in Long Beach, Calif., to Wesley and Nellie Evans, she graduated from Holmes Elementary School and Oak Park and River Forest High School. At OPRF, she was a member of the Biology and History clubs and treasurer of the Home Economics Club.
For many years, Mrs. Genge worked at the Oak Park Public Library in the Circulation Department. She was also a Girl Scout and Boy Scout troop leader. She loved a good bargain: garage sale shopping was a regular weekend hobby. She was known as the “rain check lady” at Dominick’s. One of her favorite things to do was dine out. Her favorite restaurant was La Majada. Buffet dining was also a favorite — she never met a buffet she didn’t like.
As a grandmother she instilled a love of reading in her grandchildren and when she visited, she would always bring them a bag of books. She was never afraid to be herself and always encouraged her children to do the same.
Shirley Genge is survived by her husband, Richard A.; her children, Brian (Deborah), Tracy (Theodore) Erski, Stephen, Paul, and Diana; her grandchildren, Isaac and Clementine Erski; and her siblings, Phyllis (Michael) Skrysak and Darwin (Cheryl) Evans.
A memorial visitation was held Nov. 11 at Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home. Funeral Mass was celebrated Nov. 12 at St. Edmund Church, followed by interment at Resurrection Cemetery.
Memorials to the Gift of Hope, 425 Spring Lake Drive in Itasca, IL 60143 are appreciated.
