Mary Jo Genz, age 86, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2026. Born on April 20, 1939, in Rochester to Joseph H. Lynaugh and Agnes M. (Kruger) Lynaugh. Mary Jo lived a life defined by compassion, strength, and unwavering faith.

Mary Jo was known for her deep compassion for others and her remarkable personal strength. She had a generous heart and a wisdom that guided not only her own life, but also the lives of those around her. She was a woman who could not easily be fooled, and her insight and understanding left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

She found great joy in traveling and especially cherished time spent with her family. Mary Jo also enjoyed keeping up with current events and was a devoted daily viewer of The View and an enthusiastic follower of QVC. These simple routines brought her comfort and connection to the world around her.

Throughout her life, Mary Jo demonstrated incredible resilience. In the last decade of her life, she endured the unimaginable loss of both of her children. Though the pain was profound, her steadfast Catholic faith carried her through even the most difficult times. Her faith remained unwavering and served as a source of strength and inspiration to those who knew her.

Mary Jo had a special love for flowers, particularly white lilies, which reflected her grace and gentle spirit. She will be remembered for her kindness, her generosity to others-even those she did not know-and her enduring strength in the face of life's challenges.

She is survived by her daughter, Julie Genz of Vancouver, Washington; granddaughters, Shyla Thompson of Rochester and Anika Pool of Seattle, Washington. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerome J. Genz; her daughter, Andrea Mary Thompson; and her son, Joseph B. Thompson.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of the Resurrection Catholic Church, with Father Brian Klein officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Mary Jo's life was a testament to faith, resilience, and compassion. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.