Obituary of Maxine GEISEL

Maxine (Mickey) Geisel (nee Sosnoski) August 11th, 1924 - September 21st, 2020 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mickey Geisel. Mickey was the loving and beloved wife of Robert (Bob) for 60 years. Together, they raised 6 children, 4 girls and twin boys, in Kitchener, at 82 Simeon Street and on the old Kitchener/Stratford Highway # 7 & 8, or R.R. 4 (as it became known), for 18 years and Mississauga, on Bannerhill Avenue, for 40 years. She loved her family, extended family and friends very much and would do anything for them. Mickey was a gentle soul and always had a kind word. She always found the good in people. “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all!” was one of her mantras along with “Always give the other guy the benefit of the doubt” and “There are two sides to every story”. The following are some quotes and paraphrases from a very special sister-in-law of Mickey’s, who has her pegged so completely. Permission was granted to include some of these. “Mickey never put herself first and had patience beyond belief. She never gossiped or judged. She didn’t go to the hairdresser every week or shop in high end stores for herself. She didn’t complain. Besides all of her children, perhaps her only addiction was whipped cream. Mickey always had the entire pharmacy in her purse when the family travelled, even if it was a Sunday drive. Also in her purse were little white envelopes, labelled for her budget, with varying amounts in each envelope. She was never too busy to stop and kiss the many ouchies her kids had, and there were a lot, or help out others in the family when they needed it, and there were plenty who needed it. Mickey was into natural medicine, herbs and rocks long before these things became popular. This was no ordinary woman, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, daughter… hopefully you get the idea how very lucky you were to have her in your life!” In Kitchener, Mickey worked at Electrohome during the war, making airplane electronics, was on their ladies baseball team as well as was responsible for writing up their weekly newsletter. She was also a Boy Scout leader with Bob and later, she was a Brownie leader. Mickey and Bob loved to travel and they saw a lot of the world, including Europe, the Holy Land, Saipan and too many other places to mention. Bob loved to drive and drive they did, all over Canada and the USA. They had been to every Canadian province but not the territories. Every Sunday after church, they took the kids and went for a drive, sometimes accompanied by her parents or his parents. It was always an adventure on the "whee" roads of Ontario. Favourite spots were any airport, especially the original one storey Toronto International Airport, Sauble Beach, the Pinery, Grand Bend, Niagara Falls, the Welland Canal and the Avondale Dairy Bar by lock 3 of said Welland Canal. Mickey was very involved in her parish CWL (Catholic Women’s League) at Sts. Martha and Mary in Mississauga and in the wives part of the Diaconate program with Bob, from 1972 till his passing. In her 70’s, she volunteered with the Heart and Stroke Group, leading an exercise program for patients recovering from a stroke and of course, made Bob attend with her. Mickey and Bob also ran a bingo program for the seniors in their area for many years. Mickey was very crafty as she made Easter chocolates and Christmas cookie houses by hand for her children. Being carefully crafted amazing creations, they were extremely detailed and filled with leftover Halloween treats and anything else she could fit inside. She made many ceramic pieces and Christmas wreaths for everyone. Her beautiful garden and well-loved rocks were much admired in the neighbourhood. Mickey enjoyed hunting for rocks on beaches or anywhere and finding new flowers to add to her garden. Lilacs were one of her favourites and the lilac grove by the floral clock in Niagara was an amazing spot for her to visit. Mickey has been reunited with her favourite dance partner and boy could they dance, often the last ones off of the floor at a party or a wedding, even as they advanced in years. Mickey was predeceased by her husband Bob (2007) and her parents, Henry and Lillian Sosnoski. She leaves behind her children, Robbie Wojcik (Francis), Kim Geisel, predeceased by Michael 2008 (Joan), David, Deb O’Blenis (Gerry) and Carol Geisel (Tony Marchand). She leaves her 15 grandchildren, Nancy Wojcik (Davitt O’Doherty), Nicole Wojcik, Tom Wojcik,Pam Galvin (Brian), Michelle (Shelley) Jongman (Adrien Galineas), Andrea Jongman, Lee Geisel, Taylor Geisel, Nikky Hodge, Cody Geisel, Ashley Geisel, John O’Blenis, Lisa O’Blenis (Scott Tykoliz), Mark O’Blenis (Kailee Hollywood-O’Blenis) and Chris O’Blenis (Rosanna); 12 great-grandchildren, Calissa Wojcik, Leighton Lichti, Landon Lichti, Ryan Galvin, Hayley Galvin, Eric Galvin (Savannah), Rowyn Ochrym, Michael Geisel, Mark Geisel, Rylee O’Blenis, Ryan Tykoliz, Renee Tykoliz and 3 great-great-grandchildren, Isabella, Zachary and Mackenzie Galvin. Mickey also leaves siblings Lorraine (Jerry) Suska, Carolyn (Lorne) Kroetsch, Larry (Darlene) and sisters-in-law Bev (wife of brother John (Jack)). She was predeceased by Dolores, Eleanor (Bill) Appleby, Clarine (Aaron) Schenk, Roger, John (Jack) and Geraldine (Paul) Scherman. Mickey leaves Bob’s siblings Marlene (Dolly) (Ken dec) Oswald, Carol (Siegmund) Schnepf, Judy (Greg) Taylor, Bernadette (Nigel dec) Dezell and sister-in-law Darlene (wife of Gerald Peter). She was predeceased by Doug (Theresa), John (Jack) (Joyce), Charles (Gerry), Gerald (Peter) and Frank Krettler (Judy). Mickey will be lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, family and friends. A private family funeral will be held on Tuesday, September 29th, 2020 at 11 a.m. at St. Timothy Roman Catholic Church in Orangeville. Please no flowers at the church due to Covid restrictions for deliveries. Also, due to Covid rules, please RSVP to Deb O’Blenis so we do not exceed capacity. If desired, donations to the Alzheimer Society of Dufferin County would be appreciated, as she attended their Day Program for many years. Interment will be at a later date. We also hope to have a “Celebration of Life” when restrictions have been lifted. In Memoriam Funeral Services Inc. has been given the honour to serve the Geisel Family.