SHAMAS, Geneva Mae

Geneva Shamas, 91, passed away September 13, 2015 in Blind River, Ontario surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Cambridge, Ohio to Michael and Wadia Johns, the youngest of ten children.   She moved to Blind River in 1953 after marrying Fred Shamas in Owosso, Michigan. He preceded her in death in 1988. Shortly after arriving in Blind River she began working at Pronto Uranium Mine as office manager until 1959. From there she and Fred became well known in Blind River as long time owners of the Red And White Grocery Store and later The Magic Coin Laundromat. Relationships and friendships formed there continued through the rest of her life. In retirement Geneva was president of activities at the Senior’s Centre. Of her many responsibilities there she was passionate about teaching classes in Bunka punched embroidery.  All who knew her realized that though she didn’t hesitate to speak her mind for what she thought was right she was truly a kind, considerate and loving person. Although she never had children of her own Geneva was a mother to many, many nieces and nephews and other children needing a mother’s love. She is survived and lovingly remembered by nieces Cheryl ( Tom ) St. Jules of Blind River and Jeanne Johns of Okemos, Michigan and nephews Michael ( Joanne ) Wesch and John ( Katherine ) Wesch of Marysville, Michigan along with multiple generations of nieces and nephews throughout the U.S. and Canada and her dear friend Pearl Giroux.  A memorial service will be held at St. Saviours Anglican Church, Blind River on Saturday April 16, 2016 at 11am.  Interment at Hillside Cemetery at a later date.  Memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society gratefully accepted.  Arrangements entrusted to Menard Funeral Home, Blind River, Ontario.