Obituary of Eleanor S. Genung

Age 85, of Elmira NY, passed away at home on Saturday, June 29, 2024.  Eleanor was born in Elmira NY, a daughter of Walter A. and Harriett D. (McGilley) Parda.  She was predeceased by her loving husband of 43 years, Charles R. Genung; son Charles E. Genung; grandson Lance G. Warren; sister and brother-in-law Barbara J. and Joseph Murphy; and companion William Whiteman.  Eleanor is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Gregory W. and Laura Warren of Southwest Ranches FL; granddaughter Gina M. Warren with husband Gage T. Korianski; niece and nephew Kelly Jo and Bryan Sambrook with their daughters, Meghan B. and Brenna M. Sambrook, for whom Eleanor was Gramma; sister-in-law Mary Lienhard with her son Robbie Lienhard; former husband and friend Frederick T. Warren; special friends, Debbie Allington, Jonathan Coats, Teuta Hoxha, Ellie Smith; her ARFL family including Sandy Wolf and Kathy Agan Labato; caregivers, Lisa, Cheryl, Andrea and Chelsea; and several cousins including Pam Marshall and the Corkins family.

Eleanor was raised a devout Catholic in Elmira Heights, NY and was a lifelong resident of the greater Elmira area. She was a proud member of Edison High School’s class of 1956, and she was instrumental in helping to establish the monthly get-togethers which are still enjoyed today. She loved all of her classmates dearly. Eleanor went on to pursue studies at both the State University of NY at Potsdam and Elmira College.

Eleanor’s career began humbly at Bendix Corporation. From there, she advanced, first as a secretary at Eclipse Bookkeeping and later as a bookkeeper at Winchester Optical. Her keen business skills would lead her to achieve remarkable success as the Business Manager of Associated Radiologists of the Finger Lakes, P.C. and as President of Crown Medical Billing Services. Eleanor would spend 26 years growing these businesses, but it was her management style that really set her apart. She understood the importance of a fair wage and the balance between family and work, and she was long a champion of feminist ideals.  In 1985, she was honored to receive the Woman of Achievement Award from the Chemung County Council of Women.

Eleanor was also renowned for her generosity, never finding a cause unworthy of her support. Community service was a constant in her life, and it would seem that she never met an organization that didn't elect her president. Examples include the Elmira Heights Rotary Club, Elmira Heights Merchants Society, Mark Twain Society, and Professional Secretaries International. She also served as president on the Board of Directors for the Elmira YWCA and was dedicated to the Altar Rosary Society for many years. When Eleanor committed herself to any project, she was all in. In fact, when Eleanor did anything, she was all in. This enthusiasm was evident in her love of shopping, jewelry, Crocs, attending hockey games, visiting casinos, traveling to Florida, and, most importantly, doting on her family.

Above all, Eleanor loved her family and friends more than life itself. Her selfless care and support were evident in every relationship she had, even extending to her beloved pets. She was a devoted animal lover and will be missed by her adoring cat, Moochie, and his brothers, Sunshine and Midnight.

Family and friends are invited to attend Eleanor’s Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at St. Mary’s Church, 224 Franklin St., Elmira NY.  Committal prayers and interment will follow at St. Peter & Paul’s Cemetery.  Those wishing to do so may remember Eleanor with a donation to the Pawz and Purrz Animal Rescue, Inc (https://www.pawzandpurrz.org/), Chemung County Humane Society & SPCA, 2435 State Route 352, Elmira NY 14903 (https://www.chemungspca.org/), or Parish of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, 1010 Davis Street, Elmira, NY 14901.