Grosse Pointe News

Sean Cotton, Owner • Anne Gryzenia, Publisher • Jody McVeigh, Editor In Chief • Meg Leonard, Senior Editor

16980 Kercheval Pl. • Grosse Pointe, Michigan 48230 • 313.882.6900 • Monday-Friday 9am-4pm

Nina GenematasFree Access


Former Grosse Pointe Shores resident Nina Genematas, nee Spear, 92, of Harrisburg, Pa., died Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2018, at Arden Courts of Susquehanna in Harrisburg.

She was born April 16, 1926, in Detroit to Peter and Angeline (nee Gianaris) Spear. Throughout her life, Nina was active in the Greek Orthodox church. She volunteered with Meals on Wheels in Grosse Pointe and also was a member of the Friends of the Poor Organization. She and her husband, William, loved to travel, and did so throughout their lives. She also gave her time to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Detroit Women’s Economic Club. Family was always first in Nina’s life, but her greatest joy came from watching her grandchildren grow and become the adults they are today.

Nina is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Mariann G. and Dr. Brett B. Ernst, of Harrisburg; grandchildren, William Nicholas Genematas II (Kate Lyn) of Jackson-ville, Fla., Sarah Andrene Genematas of Chicago, Alexandra Marie Ernst (Jeremy Zalben) of New York City and Victoria Noel Ernst of Brooklyn, N.Y.

Nina was predeceased by her husband, William Nicholas Genematas, and their son, Nicholas William Genematas II.

Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5, at Verheyden Funeral Home, 16300 Mack, Grosse Pointe Park.

A funeral service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 21800 Marter, St. Clair Shores. Visitation begins 9:30 a.m. at the church. Burial immediately follows the service at Woodlawn Cemetery, 19975 Woodward, Detroit.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Nina’s name may be made to the Nicholas W. Genematas II Foundation, 4075 Linglestown Road, PMB 307, Harrisburg, PA 17112.

Share a memory at parthemore.com.