1953 ~ 2025
Genie Lamb passed from this earth peacefully on November 7, 2025, surrounded by family and friends who were with her through her final days. Mother, sister, aunt, friend, and mentor, she will be deeply missed. Genie fought an extended and brave battle against medical disabilities, but her unforgettable sense of humor carried her through many crises, and never failed to provide joy to those around her.
Genie was born Eugenie Jane Heiser on June 28, 1953, fourth child of Philomene and Eugene Heiser, welcomed by her siblings Yvonne, Julie, and Michael. Genie’s fondest memories included riding horses and floating the Snake river with family members at the family ranch in Idaho, and traveling with her father. She attended Judge Memorial High School and St. Mary’s of the Wasatch in Salt Lake City, and later obtained a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Utah.
Genie lived in California and Washington but settled in Salt Lake City after her marriage to Jack Lamb, who preceded her in death. She never stopped missing him and looking forward to being reunited with his spirit. Her pride and joy was raising their daughter, Allison Lamb, to whom she was very close and whom she saw as the greatest gift of her life. She welcomed Karalee Chapell into her family as a second daughter.
Genie deeply loved her work in Social Services. In her position as Director of Self-Sufficiency Programs for Catholic Community Services, she trained and mentored countless staff in all aspects of charitable work, from grant-writing to direct service. Adoptions, Counseling, Immigration, Refugee Resettlement, Shelter for homeless women and children, and Emergency Assistance for utility and housing costs were some of the areas in which she provided knowledgeable programming and stellar leadership. From 1997-2000 she served as Executive Director of Salt Lake Donated Dental Services, obtaining dental care for homeless and low income families. She described this as “A job I loved with all my heart.” She was a key player in the development of social services in the Salt Lake Valley, and realized a vision of coordinating and establishing lasting relationships between non-profits and medical providers with all levels of government and funding sources. Genie’s health required her early retirement, after which she continued to devote herself to family and friends.
Everyone who met Genie soon had a smile on their face. Her wry, irreverent, sometimes wicked sense of humor could provide laughter in even the most dire situations. Genie’s unforgettable humor brought sparkle and wit to many lives and never failed to light up the room.
Genie was preceded in death by her husband Jack, her parents and her brother Michael. She was unwavering in her faith that she would be reunited with them. She is survived by her daughter Allison, sisters Yvonne Eagan (Larry) and Julie (Tom), sister-in-law Nancy Wilker-Heiser, and many nieces and nephews.
Words can hardly express the deep gratitude owed to Genie’s care team. Dr. Adam Nebeker, IHC Hospice, especially RN Audrey, Advocate and friend Dorothy Owen, the Staff of Pheasant View Assisted Living, and many family and friends did everything in their power to provide loving, individualized support as she neared the end of life on this earth.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, December 6th at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 670 South 1100 East, Salt Lake City, Utah. Rosary will be at 10:30 am, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 am.
Donations in Genie’s memory may be made to our Lady of Lourdes Church in Salt Lake City Utah.