Elizabeth “Bess” McGiffin, nee Gensamer, died in Chicago on August 10, at age 88. Born near Pittsburgh, PA, she moved to Chicago with her family in 1942 and lived in the same home in South Shore for the rest of her life. She was a pianist and music educator and taught privately in South Shore and Hyde Park. She was married for 57 years to George “Mac” McGiffin, who preceded her in death in 1997, as did her son Don in 1976. She is survived by her daughter Annot (Irving) Spergel, of Chicago; her granddaughter Kathleen of Chicago, and her grandson Andrew (Carmen); great-grandsons Brennan and Brian, all currently of Japan; her daughter-in-law Alene and grandson Philip Payne and family of Los Angeles; nephews Walter and David Kramer and families of Pittsburgh and niece Heather (Geza Teleki) and family of Bethesda, MD. A memorial service will be held at the First Unitarian Church of Chicago in Hyde Park (57th and Woodlawn) on Sunday, December 28 at 3 p.m.
