Mary Anne (Deuel) Stilwell, lovingly known as Genny or Nana, was born on June 1, 1947, in Coos Bay, Oregon, to the late Delton and Bonnie (Hubble) Deuel. She passed away peacefully on July 9, 2025, in Sodus, Michigan, with her family by her side. Her presence was a light in our lives, a light that will be deeply missed and never forgotten.
Genny was the heart and soul of our family. She was known for her loving spirit, firm wisdom, and unwavering dedication to those she cherished. Her life was one of resilience, hard work, and deep-rooted love. No matter what challenges came her way, she remained a source of strength and support across generations.
She was a devoted mother to her daughters Kimberly Cheatham and Billie Jo (Everett) Leitz and enjoyed being a second mom to Penny (Dean Shembarger) Vicini, Wendy Vicini, and Tina Hopkins. Her love extended to her grandchildren Dustin (Linda) Stilwell, Scott Cheatham, and Hailee Leitz (Boo), and to her great-grandchildren Veronica, Emmy, Joshua, Clayton, Lilly, Charlie, Jovianne, and Abigail. Each of them carries a piece of her love and spirit. Genny also adored her dogs Prissy and Mallie, who were family in every sense of the word.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Genevieve Phipps.
Genny found joy in life’s simplest pleasures. She loved playing Yahtzee, a game she shared with four generations, not just for the fun but for the laughter, connection, and little life lessons that came with each roll of the dice. Her cooking was amazing, especially her gravy, and time spent with her in the kitchen became treasured memories for all.
She lived by a strong moral compass, always striving to do what was right and encouraging others to do the same. She offered guidance without judgment, support without hesitation, and love without condition. Her honesty could be firm, but it always came from a place of care. Genny had a rare gift; she made people feel seen, valued, and capable of becoming their best selves.
Mary Anne Stilwell was more than a mother, grandmother, or friend. She was a foundation, a guiding light, and a true matriarch. Though we feel the weight of her loss, we will honor her through every act of love, every strong decision, and every moment we gather as a family.
Rest peacefully Nana. Your love lives on in all of us.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Bowerman Funeral Home, Eau Claire.
Those wishing to honor her memory are invited to make donations to:
Berrien County Cancer Services 3900 Hollywood Rd, St Joseph MI 49085
Pet Refuge 4626 S Burnett Dr, South Bend IN 46614
In accordance with Mary’s wishes cremation has taken place. A celebration of her life will be planned at a later date.
In memory of Mary Anne (Deuel) Stilwell, please consider making a donation to one of the following charities:
Berrien County Cancer Service
Pet Refuge
Posted On: Monday, July 14, 2025 3:44 PM
