Mary Genevieve Pokriefke

Mary Genevieve Pokriefke, age 83 of Warren, died Wednesday, December 16, 2015 at Select Specialty Hospital in Mt. Clemens, Michigan. She was born November 7, 1932 in Wilpen, Pennsylvania, daughter of the late Michael and the late Mary (nee: Fedorka) Petty.Though her given name was Mary, she was known more affectionately to all as "Genny," a form of nickname derived from her middle name, Genevieve.To those who were blessed to know this wonderful lady, they'll remember what a gregarious and infectious personality she possessed and how it permeated whatever room she was in. And along with that eclectic aura of hers, Genny was also beautifully put together and always conscious of looking like a million bucks. A fashionista in her own right, part of that look was derived from her weekly visits to the hairdresser,…an appointment she never missed. Not only was it an opportunity to revive her style, but it was always a welcomed reunion with her girlfriends at the salon. Together they chatted up the place, shared the blessings of friendship, and came away like Queens for a day. And speaking of Queens, Genny's style was also adorned by her love of jewelry, of which she owned a plethora of precious pieces that made her look like royalty. Even though it was merely costume jewelry, she wore it like the crown jewels themselves.Genny enjoyed a vast array of pastimes that helped her create the many wonderful memories she held. One that brought her immense joy was in the travels she shared with husband, George, prior to his passing at an early age. Though she came to miss those scenic and exciting vacations, she did have a myriad of wonderful memories of destinations visited such as Hawaii, Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, and Acapulco,…just to name a few. When it came to something a bit more local, there were always the special memories she held of her trips to Frankenmuth with her daughter and son-in-law, Michelle & Maurice. Nothing says fun & filling like a chicken dinner at Zenders or the Bavarian Inn,…and taking in all the charm that this quaint Bavarian Village has to offer. When it came to eating, Genny had a number of favorite restaurants she loved to frequent. Though they weren't Frankenmuth style,…still, they had a charm all their own and saved Genny from doing the dishes. Whether with family or friends, the dining out experience was one she partook of often and truly treasured,…especially when shared with her "adopted sister," Connie Renze. Connie and Genny were very close friends who built quite a strong and memorable friendship over the years, often around the table or booth at a restaurant.Genny was also a collector who enjoyed adding to her little families,…perhaps most precious being her collection of Panda Bears. Her little Black & White Beauties adorned her home and filled her heart with immense joy. Barbie Dolls were another collectible favorite of hers, which also afforded her the pleasure of engaging with other "Barbie" collector's at the Great Lakes Doll Club. There she could proudly display her dolls in all their glory & glamour. But the best meetings she participated in were the annual gatherings at the "Grant-A-Wish" Conventions where she had so much fun with friends from all over the world who, affectionately, adopted Genny as "Mom." A high compliment from a prestigious group of people.Other pastimes she enjoyed included bowling with family and friends, of which she participated in a number of leagues throughout the years. She also loved to read. Sometimes, curling up with a good book was just the perfect medicine for a stress-filled day, and her favorites included movie star biographies and crime stories. For a bit of television entertainment, Genny was definitely a fan of the "Golden Girls" and her favorite daytime soap opera, "Days of Our Lives." Yet of all that brought Genny the most pleasure, nothing could match the joy she felt each time she spent with her cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In a sense, they were part of her lasting legacy which she got to enjoy while still in their presence. It's been said that the youth in our lives is what helps to keep us young, and Genny's six cherubs managed to provide that for their Grandma,…and then some.A loving wife, mother and grandmother, Genny leaves a legacy of love for those to cherish who were blessed to know her. She touched a multitude of hearts and souls in her journey through life and leaves a storehouse of wonderful memories to be embraced with each reflection shared. She will be missed immensely and loved eternally.Mary was the beloved wife of the late George. Dear mother of Michelle (Maurice) Renze and Laura Pokriefke. Loving grandmother of Roxanne (Todd) Watson, George (Longtime Girlfriend, Sheila Perrault) Renze, Danielle Orth, and great-grandmother of Chase Watson, Ryder Watson, and Morgan Watson. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Mary was preceded in death by brothers, George, Michael, Emil, Edward, and Paul. Just a special mention about grandson, George's girlfriend, Sheila,...Genny found great delight in the relationship that she and Sheila shared over these past few years. Even though there wasn't a ring on Sheila's finger making the familial connection official, she was as much of a grandchild as all the rest. The times they spent together were treasured, and Sheila will forever reflect on how precious the moments were, in Genny's company, learning the history of her man, George,...as well as his Grandpa, George too. Visitation for Mary will be held Sunday, December 20th from 3-9 pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Rd) in Warren. Her Funeral Services will be conducted at 11:00 am on Monday at the funeral home. Officiating will be Fr. Jack Baker. Interment, with a Committal Service, will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township, Michigan.Memorial donations are welcomed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.Please share memories of Mary at her memory book above.