Genevieve N. Wallis, 100, of Eagle Bay, NY and formerly of Rome, passed away on Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at Sunset Nursing Home, with her loving family at her side.
She was born on January 10, 1911, in Utica, the daughter of Edward and Nellie Shea Nunn.
She was a summer resident of Eagle Bay since 1924, and a permanent resident for the last 10 years.
Genevieve was a graduate of St. Aloysius Academy and the Excelsior School of Business, in Utica, Class of 1929.
On November 21, 1936, Genevieve was united in marriage to Kenneth R. Wallis, Sr. in St. Peter’s Church with Rev. James K. Bennett officiating. Mr. Wallis, Sr., passed away on April 9, 1985.
Genevieve began her working career in the office at the former General Cable Corporation.
She later was the bookkeeper for her brother, Martin J. Nunn, since the start of the Martin J. Nunn Funeral Home, Inc., in 1938.
After her brother’s death in 1986, she continued as a receptionist for the Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, Inc.
She faithfully served the family business for over 65 years, retiring in 2005.
She was a member of St. Anthony’s Church, Inlet, and while living in Rome, St. Peter’s Church.
Surviving are one daughter and son-in-law, Mary Ann and Ken Pace of Eagle Bay and Naples, FL; a son and daughter-in-law, Kenneth R. and Pinky Wallis, Jr. of Eagle Bay; a sister, Mary Jo Birnie of Eagle Bay and Naples; one sister-in-law, Elizabeth (Betty) Nunn Draper of Eagle Bay; six grandchildren: Kristine Strumpfler and Jeffrey (Jeff) Merkel, both of Rome; Kimberly (Kim) Wallis of Hong Hong; Kenny and Marie Wallis, III of Shadyside MD; Amanda Wallis and her partner, Lynn Bladek of Boonville; Kelly and Richard Beary of New York City; nine great-grandchildren: Randi, Michael, Genevieve, Kenny IV, Timmy, Maddie, Abby, Lilly and Benny; and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by a granddaughter, Constance Merkel; two brothers, James E. and Martin J. Nunn; and a brother-in-law, Martin K. (Bud) Birnie.
Services were held Saturday, September 3 at the Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, Inc. of Rome. A Mass of Christian Burial followed at St. Peter’s Church.
Contributions may be made in Genevieve’s memory to St. Peter’s Church Memorial Fund or Inlet Emergency Services, P.O. Box 300, Inlet, NY 13360. You may view the obituary and send a message of sympathy to: www.nunnandharper.com.
