Jeane Gaidelis

Eugenia "Gene" Isabel Smailys Gaidelis died unexpectedly 28 February 2022 at her home in South Omaha. Gene was born in Šiluté, Lithuania on 15 February 1935 of John and Anne "Isabel" Smailys and the sister to 7 siblings. As a young girl, Gene immigrated to the United States shortly after WWII. She met her husband, Vitalis, who had emigrated from Latvia and were married on 10 October 1953 in Kenosha, WI. Known by her loved ones as Močuité, she loved to teach and share her Lithuanian traditions and dishes with them. She loved to travel to visit her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren whenever she could. She had the opportunity to visit her homeland, Lithuania, three times to visit friends and relatives. In 1997, Gene became a United States citizen and Americanized her name to Jeane. Throughout her time in Omaha she was involved in the Lithuanian community and was an avid knitter and enjoyed crocheting too. One of her hobbies was to knit and crochet numerous blankets, scarves and hats to donate to school children and nurseries. Gene enjoyed exploring Omaha by the MOBY bus to go shopping and walking through stores getting plenty of exercise.

Gene was proceeded in death by her parents, her husband, Vitalis, and her daughter, Terese Gaidelis Meilus. She is survived by her son, Vitalis "Mike" Gaidelis (Sonia "Sam"); son-in-law, Deacon Eduardas "Ed" Meilus of Sutton, MA; grandchildren Veronica Gene Gaidelis-Langer (Nathan) of Cloquet, MN, Pearl Gaidelis of Negaunee, MI, Antanas Meilus (Catherine "Cat") of Malden, MA, Jurate Meilus Greeley (Brendan) of Marlborough, MA and Sigute Meilus of Washington, D.C. Great-grandchildren Isaiah Langer, Simon Langer, Frances Langer, Reilly Meilus and Tobias Meilus.
Visitation and Rosary will be held at the Good Shepherd funeral home on Monday, 7 March 2022 at 6:30. Funeral services will be held at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic church in South Omaha at 10am on 8 March 2022.