Mary J. Genelin passed away on Sunday, June 10, 2012 at Mn. Valley Health Center in Le Sueur.

Mary was born on July 14, 1919 to William and Catherine (Bailey) Shaughnessy.
She attended Sister School in Belle Plaine, Mn.

On August 13, 1941, she was united in marriage to Walter James Connolly at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Jessenland Township, Sibley County.
Walter and Mary had three children, Denise, Joe and Jeanne.
Walter died on June 7, 1946 in a truck accident.

Mary married Joseph Genelin on Oct. 18, 1951 and to this union two children were born, Bill and Mary Lynn.

Mary and Joe made their home at the Genelin farm in Sharon Twsp, St. Henry, Mn.

After her children were older, Mary became an employee of Central Health Care in Le Center. She retired at the age of 87 after working 37 years at the home.

Mary was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Henry Catholic Church. Her rosary and prayer book were a part of her daily life.
Mary was also a member of the Le Center American Legion Auxilary.

In 2000, Mary was named as a Co-Grand Marshal along with Pat Blaschko and Mary Krenik for Le Center’s annual St. Patrick’s celebration. She was so proud to be 100% Irish!
Mary enjoyed reading, playing cards, old thyme music, dancing and dining out with family and friends, cooking and baking. It was a well known fact that every Wednesday, she made her famous Chocolate Chip Cookies.
No one ever left her home hungry and everyone was always welcomed.
She also enjoyed following her grandchildren’s extra curricular activities, watching them dance and participate in sports.

Mary is survived by her five children, Denise (Dee) Wolf, Jeanne Connolly, Mary Lynn Genelin-Sycks and husband Larry, Joe and Carol Connolly all of rural Le Sueur and Bill and Shelly Genelin of Le Center.
In addition she is also survived by nine Grandchildren, eight Great Grandchildren and one Great Great Grandchild.
She is also survived by two sister’s in laws, Mary Ann Shaughnessy of Belle Plaine and Mary Solyntjes of St. Paul and one brother in law, Edward Holicky of New Prague and many good friends.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, two husbands, brother Leo Shaughnessy, sister Peg Berndt along with grandson Timothy Connolly and grand daughter in law Cindy Wolf.

Visitation will take place on Thursday June 14, 2012 at the Le Center Funeral Home in Le center from 4 to 8 . Funeral and burial will be held on Friday, June 15, 2012 at 10 AM at St. Henry Catholic Church rural Le Sueur, Mn.

Arrangements are with Le Center Funeral Home in Le Center. 507-357-6116. www.lecenterfuneralhome.com.