Genevieve Conley, Grosse Pointe Woods

Retired teacher liked sports, theater

Ex-Detroiter used props to engage students, enjoyed reading, aided friends, missionaries

Mark Hicks / The Detroit News

Throughout her nearly 40 years of teaching, Genevieve Conley strived to engage her students.

To better illustrate points about culture or other subjects, she went as far as showing sugar beets or having guests prepare Japanese meals to share.

"She went out of her way to do things that were memorable," said Joanne Himmer, a longtime friend. "She really enjoyed her students."

Miss Conley died Monday, Oct. 12, 2009. She was 87.

Born Nov. 21, 1921, in Detroit, she grew up on the city's east side and graduated from Southeastern High School.

She later earned bachelor's and master's degrees in education from Wayne State University.

Miss Conley began teaching at United Oaks Elementary School in Hazel Park, where she taught fourth, fifth and sixth grades and kept the same classroom for much of her career, Himmer said.

A favorite aspect about teaching was "getting the young people to think," Himmer said. "She would give them bits and pieces of information and make them search for the rest for the story."

Miss Conley retired in 1986.

Much time was spent relaxing at her summer cottage near Port Sanilac, frequenting the Michigan Opera Theatre, watching the Detroit Tigers and following University of Michigan football.

Another interest was reading.

"She liked biographies that ran the gamut, whether it was politics or religion," Himmer said. "She just enjoyed all of them."

For years Miss Conley also was known for tending to her close circle of friends, including helping missionaries who worked overseas.

"She was just continuing to help them in any way she could," Himmer said. "She was just a very generous person ... She made lasting friendships."

Survivors include a great-niece, Jaclyn Graham, and a great-nephew, Adam Graham.

She was predeceased by her parents, Bryan and Georgia Conley; a sister, Elizabeth Graham; and a nephew, Bryan Graham.

Visitation is 3-9 p.m. Friday at the A.H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack, Grosse Pointe Woods.

Services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Detroit.