Katherine M. "Millie" (Lawton) Giess, 95, of Skaneateles, passed peacefully Tuesday, at Upstate Community Hospital in Syracuse. Born in Syracuse, NY, she spent her early years in Lakeland before graduating from Solvay High School and Syracuse University.
Millie spent her last 70 years in Skaneateles in the home her beloved John built. Her love of education led her to decades of teaching to include Skaneateles High School, Central High in Auburn, and Emily Howland Elementary School in Southern Cayuga.
Millie and the love of her life of 68 years, John, enjoyed many years of traveling in their motorhome and winters in Florida. Millie was a devout Catholic and a parishioner of St. Mary's of the Lake Church Millie enjoyed many memories, special events and holidays with family and friends. She was an avid bridge player, enjoyed playing tennis, working in her garden and bird watching.
Millie is survived by three children, Jacqueline Giess DeBagio of Auburn, NY, Penny McDonnell (Paul) of Parrish, FL, and Michael Giess (Christine) of Victor, NY; eight grandchildren, Brandon, Ryan, Tyler, Dylan, Danielle, Jenna, Jacob and Collin. Her first great-grandchild Carter, is due in June. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Millie was predeceased by her husband, John, her sisters, Anne and Elizabeth and her brothers, Charles and James.
Calling hour will be held on Tuesday, June 7th from 10 to 11 am at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Millie will be laid to rest beside John at St. Mary's Cemetery.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Millie's extraordinary caregivers, Margaret Pritchard, Donna Vatter, Linda Moon and Lisa Oropallo and the staff on 3 West at Upstate Community Hospital.
Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association via the Katherine "Millie" Giess Tribute Page at https://www.alz.org
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.
Millie spent her last 70 years in Skaneateles in the home her beloved John built. Her love of education led her to decades of teaching to include Skaneateles High School, Central High in Auburn, and Emily Howland Elementary School in Southern Cayuga.
Millie and the love of her life of 68 years, John, enjoyed many years of traveling in their motorhome and winters in Florida. Millie was a devout Catholic and a parishioner of St. Mary's of the Lake Church Millie enjoyed many memories, special events and holidays with family and friends. She was an avid bridge player, enjoyed playing tennis, working in her garden and bird watching.
Millie is survived by three children, Jacqueline Giess DeBagio of Auburn, NY, Penny McDonnell (Paul) of Parrish, FL, and Michael Giess (Christine) of Victor, NY; eight grandchildren, Brandon, Ryan, Tyler, Dylan, Danielle, Jenna, Jacob and Collin. Her first great-grandchild Carter, is due in June. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Millie was predeceased by her husband, John, her sisters, Anne and Elizabeth and her brothers, Charles and James.
Calling hour will be held on Tuesday, June 7th from 10 to 11 am at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Millie will be laid to rest beside John at St. Mary's Cemetery.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Millie's extraordinary caregivers, Margaret Pritchard, Donna Vatter, Linda Moon and Lisa Oropallo and the staff on 3 West at Upstate Community Hospital.
Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association via the Katherine "Millie" Giess Tribute Page at https://www.alz.org
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.
