HERKIMER Genevieve Mary Ligas, age 91, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home on Monday, November 13, 2017 with her devoted family by her side. One of four children, Gen was born on October 8, 1926, in Johnson City, a daughter of the late Michael and Mary (Cwynar) Makarowski. She was raised and educated in Johnson City where she graduated high school. On June 1, 1946, Gen married Joseph R. Ligas in St. Cyrils RC Church, Endicott. They made their home in Herkimer in 1947; together, for over forty-three years, they owned and operated a restaurant on South Washington Street called Buddies Inn. Gen was known for her great pizzas and ability to make everyone smile. They shared a loving and devoted marriage for fifty years until he passed away in 1996. Gen enjoyed her huge garden, picking apples from her apple trees, baking pies and mowing acres of lawn on her mower. Genevieve was a member of the Church of St. Anthony and Joseph, Herkimer and also attended Holy Family Parish Church, Little Falls. She loved both parishes and was active with the Bereavement Ministry, Liturgical Ministry, and took Communion to local nursing homes and to those who were homebound. She lived her life in the service of others and found serenity and peace in her faithful devotion to God. Every conversation with her would end with Remember Jesus! Gens heart was focused on her family. She rejoiced that God graced her with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; she loved and enjoyed them all to the very last stages of her life. She took pride in being a mother and always felt it was a great honor. The devotion of her family was truly returned, since they feel she was a major influence in their lives and will continue to influence them through their life journeys. Babci (Grandma) enjoyed hosting holidays at her home, creating many traditions which hold the expanding family together; most important was the art of making pierogies, which will continue for many generations. Gen will be remembered as an amazing, compassionate, kind-hearted woman. She is survived by her devoted family: two sons, Joseph W. Ligas of Ft. Lauderdale, who helped with her care for the past few months, and Michael A. Ligas of Bumpass, VA; two daughters, Judith DeMars and husband William of Herkimer, and Veronica Plano and husband Carl of Conesus, NY.; ten loving grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides Gens parents and husband Joseph, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Henry, Joseph, Josephine (Burd), and John Makarowski. The family wishes to express its deep appreciation for the support and compassionate care received from the Hospice Palliative Care Team of Oneida, Herkimer & Madison Counties. The family will be present at the Fenner Funeral Home, 115 Court Street, Herkimer to receive relatives and friends on Tuesday, Nov. 28th from 2:00 4:00 and 6:00 8:00 p.m. A memorial mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 29th at 11:00 am in the church of St. Anthony and Joseph, 226 S. Main St., Herkimer. Expressions of sympathy in her memory may be made with donations to St. Anthony and Joseph RC Church. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Calling Hours Fenner Funeral Home Tuesday, November 28, 2017 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM 115 Court Street Herkimer, NY 13350 Calling Hours Fenner Funeral Home Tuesday, November 28, 2017 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM 115 Court Street Herkimer, NY 13350 Mass of Christian Burial The Church of Saints Anthony and Joseph Wednesday, November 29, 2017 11:00 AM South Main Street Herkimer, NY 13350