Eugenie Lewis Mackey

Eugenie Lewis Mackey peacefully passed away on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at the age of 87.

Genie was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Barton L. Mackey, D.M.D. and is survived by her children: Barton Jr. (Jennifer), Eugenie M. McDonald (Mathew), Dwight D., and Scott L. (Betsy); nine grandchildren: Tucker, Tyler, Emily, Matt, Barton III, Morgan, Zoe, Miles, and Althea; and two great-grandchildren: Antonia and Cash. She is also survived by her twin sisters, Carolyn Lewis Richmond and Cynthia Lewis LaMothe, as well as her cousin, Lori Harshbarger Coble.

Genie was the eldest daughter of Davis Levis Lewis Jr. and Eugenie Harshbarger Lewis. She was a proud Delawarean and had a heritage tracing to the Colonial Period. Genie held memberships in the Welcome Society of Philadelphia and the National Society of The Colonial Dames of America.

A graduate of Tower Hill School and Pine Manor College, Genie embodied and took great pride in the spirit of service from an early age. Her journey began as a Candy Striper at the Wilmington General Hospital and evolved into a lifetime dedicated to volunteerism and community leadership.

Among her many contributions, Genie chaired the Wilmington Junior League, the Wilmington Hospital Junior Board, the Wilmington Flower Market, Delaware Antique Show, the Holly Ball, and was a co-chair of the Grand Opera House’s Grand Gala. She also served on the founding committee of the Ronald McDonald House of Delaware, on the board of directors of Christiana Care Hospital, and as the first female corporate board President of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware.

During her years at Stonegates, she was a deeply involved advocate of residential life, serving on the Council and the Welcome Committee.

Family was always Genie’s top priority. She took immense pride in her children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments and thoroughly enjoyed cheering from the stands at sporting events and attending musical and theatrical performances. If she was unable to show her support in person, she always asked for a complete review of the event as soon as she could.

With a vibrant, fun-loving personality and matchless energy Genie loved to organize and host gatherings with family and friends. A decades-long couples bridge club and later regular ladies bridge gatherings brought great enjoyment and camaraderie. A passionate, left-handed tennis player, Genie was a familiar figure on the courts of Wilmington Country Club, playing weekly doubles games with friends until age 80. While her competitiveness was subtle, she did not like to lose.

Genie was a life-long lover of poodles and the color purple. She was a sun worshipper, a dockside sailor, an etiquette connoisseur, and a true believer in the Golden Rule. Her love of dark chocolate and coffee milkshakes was legendary. Genie’s warm heart, ever-present smile, and twinkling blue eyes will be deeply missed.

Genie’s family would like to extend gratitude to the compassionate team at the Stonegates Health Center for their dedicated loving care.