Louise Brink Géczy

Louise Brink Géczy, age 79, of Street, Maryland, passed away on October 27, 2025. Born in Lorain, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Cletus “Kayo” Brink and Mary Louise (Stewart) Brink.

Louise was the wife of the late Louis Géczy for 54 years. She is survived by her daughters, Michelle Géczy, Jessica Géczy-Shertzer, and Allison Fordyce; sons by marriage, Michael Shertzer and Brad Fordyce; grandchildren, Ellery and Adeline Shertzer and Tate, Grayce, and Nash Fordyce; and sisters, Susan Hewins and Patricia Brink. She was also the grandmother of the late Jack Shertzer.

Louise had a distinguished 53-year career as an educator. She attended the University of South Florida and began her career at Eau Gallie High School in Florida, where she met her husband, Lou.

For nearly 25 years, Louise was a cornerstone of The John Carroll School in Bel Air, Maryland, starting as an English and Public Speaking teacher and finishing as Academics Project Manager. She developed the Senior Project program, helped establish Senior Unity Day, and shaped the school’s Human Rights and Holocaust programming, including Holocaust Remembrance Day, the senior class trip to the U.S. Holocaust Museum, and Lessons of the Shoah, an annual event with the Baltimore Jewish Council. She co-created the elective Exploration of Human Rights, Genocide, and the Pursuit of Justice and organized the school’s annual Genocide Vigil.

While her dedication earned her numerous accolades—including the 2024 International Peace & Justice Award and the Ponczak-Greenblatt Families’ Award for Excellence in Holocaust Education in 2009 and 2023—Louise remained humble, focusing on education and advancing human rights.

Before John Carroll, Louise taught English, Public Speaking, and Creative Writing at Perry Hall High School, where she also advised the literary magazine. In 1993–94, she was a Fulbright Scholar in Hungary, her husband’s ancestral homeland.

Louise will be remembered by her students, colleagues, and friends as a bright light—a force for good whose compassion, humility, generosity, and kindness touched everyone she met. A brilliant and dedicated educator, she led by example, embodying the belief that “we rise by lifting others.” She inspired her students with wisdom, creativity, curiosity, and faith in their potential. Her encouragement gave many the confidence to find their own voices.

Her family will remember her for her love, support, and the joy she found in spending time together, and for her strength and perseverance. Happiest at the beach and on annual trips to Bethany Beach, she collected shells and driftwood. Always up for an adventure and an avid reader, she enjoyed gardening, a fresh farmer’s market peach, a warm cinnamon roll, browsing bookstores and libraries, playing Scrabble and cards, a good crab cake, antiquing, a chocolate milkshake made with vanilla ice cream, and early morning beach walks to see the sunrise. She was an ace at mini golf and always brought fun, making everyone feel special.

A lifelong learner and lover of words, she was also a writer. In her own words: “Our lives are filled with beginnings and endings; we owe it to ourselves and those whose life journeys intersect with ours to make the most of the time between our starts and stops.” Louise’s life and words remind us to live fully—with purpose and intention—making the most of the time we have and the connections we share with others.

Louise’s life will be honored at a private Celebration of Life Service on November 16, at 12 p.m. for invited guests. Those attending the private service may contact the family for details. Everyone is welcome to join the family afterward at 1:30 p.m. at the John Carroll School. The John Carroll School welcomes all who knew and loved Louise to join in a tribute on November 29 at 10 a.m. The family encourages those attending the services to wear teal blue in honor of Louise. 

To honor the profound impact Louise made over her 25-year career at John Carroll, the school is establishing the Louise Géczy Memorial Fund to continue her lifelong work. Contributions may be made in her name at www.givecampus.com/campaigns/71985/donations/new.