Genevieve Gen Rizzo Mills

Genevieve Mills passed away on May 16, 2010, after a courageous fight with cancer. Gen was born in Utica, NY on September 2, 1926, the daughter of Dominick and Jenny Rizzo. Her family moved to Clinton, NY, and after graduating from Clinton High School, Gen enrolled in the United States Cadet Nurse Corps. She earned her R.N. and bachelor's degree from then-Adelphi College in Garden City, NY. While a student nurse, she went on a blind date with Don Mills, who had just returned from serving in the Army. They married in 1949. Last December 26, they celebrated their 60th anniversary.

Genevieve did hospital nursing for a time and later became a school nurse teacher in the Uniondale Public School System on Long Island. She earned her master's degree in elementary education in 1973.

After 25 years in education, she and Don retired in 1980 and moved to Marco Island to their new home that Don had designed. She then had a successful second career selling real estate, first for Deltona's Marco Island Realty, then for Coldwell Banker and finally for Prudential.

Genevieve's warm and generous nature quickly endeared her to everyone she met on Marco, where she enjoyed countless friendships. She was a renowned chef and loved entertaining friends in her home. She was a past president of the Marco Island branch of the American Association of University Women. She was active in the development of the original Marco Philharmonic and she served on the Library Board of Naples. She had been a radio voice on a program for the blind run by the University of Florida.

Genevieve was a member of the United Church of Marco, where she sang in the choir, served on the music committee, and volunteered at the Bargain Basket thrift shop. Genevieve became involved with the Renaissance Academy's Programs on Marco Island. She had recently become a member of the Garden Club of Marco Island.

Genevieve will be remembered fondly for her love of sailing. She and Don sailed their 35 foot yawl, the Sea Plus, from Long Island to Marco when retired. Their boat was away from the dock frequently - they sailed to the Bahamas several times as well as to the Tortugas and Key West. Gen was a Charter Member of the Marco Island Yacht Club, but her first love was the Sailing Association of Marco Island, of which she was a member for almost 30 years. She held several positions in the club, including fleet captain.

Genevieve is survived by her loving husband, Don; and their three children, son, Steven A. Mills of Bronxville, NY; daughter, Kim I. Mills of Falls Church, VA; and son, Donald Mills of Somerville, MA. She is also survived by two grandchildren, John Mills of San Francisco, and Thomas Mills of Brooklyn, NY; and three siblings, Paul J. Rizzo of Chapel Hill, NC, Marguerite Stewart of Summit, NJ, and Donald Rizzo of Roswell, GA.