Louise Brink Géczy, a dedicated educator and passionate human rights advocate, passed away on October 27, 2023, at Upper Chesapeake Medical Center. The 79-year-old resident of Street, Maryland, was celebrated for her transformative impact on students at the John Carroll School in Bel Air, where she taught for many years.
Stephen A. DiBiagio, president of John Carroll School, described her as a “magnificent human being” with a “steel resolve” to instill moral courage and compassion in her students. “She was transformative,” DiBiagio added, highlighting the lasting legacy she leaves behind.
Born in Lorain, Ohio, Louise was the daughter of Cletus “Kayo” Brink and Mary Louise Stewart Brink. She earned her degree from the University of South Florida and began her teaching career at Eau Gallie High School in Florida, where she met her future husband, Louis Géczy, also an educator. The couple eventually relocated to Maryland, where Louise taught English, creative writing, and public speaking in the Baltimore County public school system, including a notable stint at Perry Hall High School, where she advised the literary magazine.
During her distinguished career, Louise was also named a Fulbright Scholar in Hungary from 1993 to 1994, exploring her husband’s ancestral roots. After moving to Harford County, she joined the faculty at John Carroll School, continuing to teach English and public speaking. In her later years, she took on the role of academics project manager, where she developed a unique senior project program.
Louise’s commitment to human rights was evident in her initiatives. She played a pivotal role in establishing Senior Unity Day and shaping the school’s Human Rights and Holocaust programming. This included organizing Holocaust Remembrance Day events and arranging senior class trips to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. Her daughter, Michelle Géczy, noted that Louise also led the annual “Lessons of the Shoah” event in collaboration with the Baltimore Jewish Council.
Jake Hollin, an assistant principal at John Carroll, praised her as “a light in a dark world,” emphasizing her focus on human rights and dignity, regardless of background. Louise co-created the elective course “Exploration of Human Rights, Genocide and the Pursuit of Justice” and was instrumental in organizing the school’s annual Genocide Vigil.
Her contributions to education were recognized with several accolades, including the 2024 International Peace and Justice Award and the 2009 and 2023 Ponczak-Greenblatt Families Awards for Excellence in Holocaust Education.
Michelle Géczy reflected on her mother’s character, stating, “She was compassionate, humble, generous, and kind. She inspired her students with wisdom, creativity, curiosity, and faith in their potential. Her encouragement gave many the confidence to find their own voices.”
Louise led by example, embodying the belief that “we rise by lifting others.” Outside of her professional life, she enjoyed gardening, visiting bookstores and libraries, and playing games like Scrabble and cards. She had a fondness for crab cakes, antiquing, and chocolate milkshakes made with vanilla ice cream.
A memorial service is scheduled for 10 a.m. on November 29 at the John Carroll School in Bel Air. Louise is survived by her daughters, Michelle Géczy of Baltimore, Jessica Géczy-Shertzer of Conowingo, and Allison Fordyce of Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania; two sisters, Susan Hewins of Ashtabula, Ohio, and Patricia Brink; and five grandchildren. Her husband of 54 years, Louis Géczy, who taught at Parkville High School, passed away in 2023.
Louise Brink Géczy’s legacy as an educator and advocate for human rights will continue to inspire future generations.
