Eugenie Brunatti

Eugenie “Genie” Sampson Brunatti
December 30, 1934- September 28, 2026

Eugenie “Genie” Sampson Brunatti passed away peacefully on September 28, 2026, at the age of 91. She was born on December 30, 1934, in Murray, Utah, to William C. Sampson and Eugenie Madsen Sampson.

Genie attended and graduated from Murray High School, where she met her lifelong sweetheart, Marco Brunatti. The two married at the age of 18, beginning a partnership that would span more than six decades. When Marco joined the U.S. Navy, Genie followed him to San Diego, beginning a new chapter of their life together.

From a very young age, Genie discovered a passion and extraordinary talent for tennis. In her early teens, she began competing in tournaments throughout Utah and across the country. From the ages of 14 to 18, Genie traveled by train throughout the United States, often staying with host families as she competed in major national tennis tournaments.

Her dedication and talent led to an incredible competitive career. Genie won 35 tournaments across the country and, in 1951, won the U.S. Lawn Tennis Association National Hard Court Tennis Championship in Philadelphia. Competing in both singles and doubles, she made history as the first woman from Utah to win a national tennis championship.

Although Genie’s national competitive tennis career came to an end when she followed Marco to San Diego, her love for the sport never left her. She continued playing in local tournaments throughout her life and even competed in—and won—many mother-son tennis tournaments alongside her son. Tennis remained a lifelong source of joy, friendship, and cherished memories for Genie.

After four years in San Diego, Marco and Genie returned to Salt Lake City, where Genie began what she considered her greatest journey of all: becoming a mother to her two sons, Marc and Allan “Randy.” She devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family, always putting the happiness and well-being of her husband and children first. Her family was the center of her world, and she gave them a lifetime of love, support, and devotion.

Even while raising her family, Genie embraced many different adventures and opportunities. She worked as a model for LaRee’s clothing store, worked with Travelers Insurance and in a doctor’s office. She also volunteered as an EMT. She was curious, capable, independent, and never afraid to try something new.

Genie had a deep love for life and the outdoors. She enjoyed fishing, spending time at the family cabin, camping, boating, playing the piano, listening to music, and being surrounded by her beloved dogs.

Genie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Marco Brunatti; her father, William C. Sampson; her mother, Eugenie Madsen Sampson; her brother, Billy Sampson (Nora); and her sister, Carolyn (David).
She is survived by her sons, Marc Brunatti (Deedee) and Allan “Randy” Brunatti (Doris); her four grandchildren, Davina, Bryan (Stephanie), Danae (Brandon), and Tara (Angelo); and her seven great-grandchildren, Isayah, Destine, Devyn, Austin, Dylan, Sofia, and Siena.

Genie leaves behind a remarkable legacy—not only as a pioneering Utah tennis champion, but as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Her adventurous spirit, love of life, strength, and devotion to her family will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her.

A private memorial honoring Genie’s life was held with her immediate family on October 5, 2026.