Geneann King

From the moment she was born on December 22, 1937, GeneAnn seemed to carry music in her heart. By the age of four, she was already playing the piano. Her love of music was as natural as her love for books, her dog, painting, and singing.

Raised in Cold Spring, NY, GeneAnn was the daughter of George and Anna Picchiotin. She shared an especially close bond with her father, a connection that shaped her lifelong warmth and generosity.

After attending Katharine Gibbs Secretarial School, Gene married Joseph Mackson, and together they had five children. Her home became a gathering place where the door was always open, and no one ever left without a smile or leftovers.

Music remained a constant in her life. She played piano and organ, sang in her church choir, joined the Sweet Adelines, and filled her home with songs, often making up little tunes just to delight her grandchildren.

Her creativity was boundless. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, knitting, crocheting, and making jewelry. Her sharp eye for detail earned her the nickname “Quality Gene” during her career at IBM.

In 1993, Gene married Allen King, beginning a chapter filled with travel, family adventures, and shared discoveries. They moved to Margate, FL, in 2007, where Gene embraced the beach, flowers, and sunshine. She also became a Florida Marlins fan, much to the dismay of her husband, a lifelong Mets fan.

Together, Gene and Al were present for every important life event: births, baptisms, weddings, graduations, celebrations, and milestones, always showing up with love, pride, and open arms. And when the big moments were over, they were just as dedicated to the little ones: hours around the table playing Phase 10 or Hand and Foot, where the laughter and friendly competition were as much a tradition as the holidays themselves.

Gene made beautiful quilts with “love and stitches,” each one a work of art and comfort. She created many cherished pieces for family, friends, and charities. Her social circle was always growing, including neighbors and quilting friends who were drawn to her humor, warmth, and genuine spirit.

In 2022, Gene and Al moved to Sylvania, OH, where she once again brought joy and friendship to everyone she met. Over her lifetime, Gene embraced many titles: Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Friend, Genie, Geno, Momma Peach, Cottonball Momma, and Granny, each representing the many lives she touched.

She is survived by her husband, Allen King; her children Laurie, John, Maureen, Eileen, Barry, Paul, and Robert; 19 grandchildren; and 2 great-grandchildren.

Gene had a rare gift for connecting with people, whether through a shared laugh, a deep conversation, or a hug. She gave unconditional love freely and abundantly, leaving behind a legacy as warm and comforting as one of her quilts.

The Funeral Mass for GeneAnn will be Friday, August 22, 2025, at 11 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 5373 Main St. Sylvania, OH.

Memorial donations may be given to "Franciscan Friars of the Atonement", Gray Moor P.O. Box 301 Garrison, NY 10524, www.atonementfriars.org or St. Joseph’s School Sylvania, 5373 Main St. Sylvania, OH 43560, stjoesylvania.org