Genevieve Frances (Mieles) Guarniere

Genevieve Frances “Genny” (Mieles) Guarniere, 97, of Battle Creek died peacefully at Rose Arbor Hospice, with her family at her side on Thursday, August 6, 2026.

She was born in Hamtramck, Michigan on January 7, 1929, the daughter of Louis and Carmela (Melfi) Mieles. Genny grew up in Detroit and attended Detroit Pershing High School and earned her GED at the age of 54.

Genny was formerly married to Rosario “Russ” Guarniere. Their marriage blessed them with six children and together they co-owned and managed several restaurants including Rosario’s Supper Club, the Elks Club, and worked at Lakewood Inn. Genny was also employed for 10 years at Visiting Nurse Services; and also, at Emily Andrus Home and Royal Funeral Home, retiring at the age of 90.

Surviving are her children, Vita (John) Sajtar, Michelle Guarniere, Rosario “Russ” (Mary) Guarniere all of Battle Creek, Julie (Chris) Dalm of Holland, MI; a daughter-in-law, Claire Guarniere of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; sister-in-law, Kathryn Nacco of Saginaw Township; grandchildren, Daniella, Marco, Gena, Christopher, Gina, Angela, Nicole, Morgan and Brendon; eight great-grandchildren; one great great-granddaughter and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and their families. Genny was preceded in death by her father, Louis, mother and stepfather, Carmela and Michele “Mike” Nacco; by her ex-husband, Rosario “Russ” Guarniere; two sons, Gino A. Guarniere and Joseph M. Guarniere; two sisters, Gloria Klimkowski, Philamena Mieles and two brothers, Andrew Nacco and Gino Nacco.

Genny has been member of St. Philip Roman Catholic Church and Parish for nearly 80 years. She had a very strong faith and offered her daily prayers and Rosary for family and friends. In her 80’s and 90’s Genny did things she had never done before including Fishing, feeding horses, pontoon boat rides and going to the Casino with family. She also worked funeral dinners and helped with mailings at St. Philip Catholic Church. Genny loved going to Mass and breakfast with her church friends. She loved her family and loved spending time together with them. Genny will be remembered for her delicious cheesecakes and fruit cakes.

Friends will be received 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, where the Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m..

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. James Richardson at St. Philip Roman Catholic Church 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 13, 2026. Committal and interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions in memory of Genny may be made to St. Philip Parish Building Fund, 112 Capital Ave. NE, Battle Creek, MI 49017 or Centrica Care Navigators Hospice.

Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.