Mary Geisz

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Mary Rosalie Geisz (Livingston) age 74, passed away Wednesday morning January 3rd, 2024, in her home from complications related to her cancer. On hospice care for 5 months prior to her death, Mary passed away peacefully in her sleep.

Mary leaves her daughter Tina Schmidt (Geisz) and husband Brian; her son Daniel Geisz and wife Danielle Geisz (Nielson); four granddaughters, Tristina, Victoria, Evelyn, Camille. Mary also leaves her brother Frank Livingston, many nieces and nephews and her beloved dog Maddie.

She was preceded in death by her ex-husband of 25 years Terry Geisz and her significant other of 15 years, Richard Terese; her parents John and Rosie Livingston and brothers Jack, Ben, and Larry Livingston.

Born in Monmouth Illinois, November 12, 1949, the only girl and youngest of five children. Her brothers adored her but teased her as siblings do. She graduated college with a medical assistant degree and served in the health care field for many years. 

Mary resided in Quincy Illinois, for a brief time before moving to St Charles Illinois to raise her family with her high school sweetheart Terry. Later in life she moved to Three Lakes Wisconsin with her significant other Rich, where she owned and operated a Restaurant called Eagles Nest. She moved to Joplin Missouri after retirement to be closer to her kids and grandkids. In Joplin Missouri she enjoyed waitressing at Granny Schaffers and Cracker Barrel for many more years. She also took on the care of her aging mother Rosie.

How can we tell a story of what kind of person Mary was when she was so many wonderful things? If you met her, she was a friend for life. She was a supportive daughter, sister, mother, friend, and coworker. She was the leaning post for many. 

She was there for comfort, honesty, and the secrets she could keep. She loved unconditionally. She would laugh, and cry with you, whatever you needed at that moment. From Motley Crue concerts to pee your pants moments at Walmart, to her life was a joy ride, make the best of everything. Although she suffered many losses in her life and was hit so many times with cancer diagnosis, she continued to live with so much hope and laughter. 

Mary had several crafting hobbies; she enjoyed her books, shopping, visits to her favorite bookstore; Always Buying Books and lots of coffee. She always had a four-legged furry friend in her life and was a huge part of her kids and granddaughters' life. She enjoyed every opportunity she could to travel and could make anything a laughable moment. She drafted the book on how to get through anything with a smile. Until we meet again Mary; daughter, sister, mother, friend, and coworker. Rest in Peace.

A celebration of life will be held at Parkwood Senior Apartments, 1200 North Rangeline Rd Joplin MO in the community room on Saturday January 13th from 2-4 pm.

Location address for flowers and cards
Tina Schmidt, 8541 County Road 290 Carl Junction MO 64834

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Always Buying Books school lunch program. You can contact Tina at 417-291-3277 or Bob at 417-781-1720 for more information.