June 2, 1928 - July 1, 2022
Georgia Gianakura, aged 94, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, left for a better place on July 1, 2022 with her husband Peter, of 62 years and daughters by her side. She was born in Chicago on June 2, 1928 to Peter and Anastasia (Drakoulakou) Gianacakos.
The lovely Georgia spent much of her youth growing up in the Ludington and Scottville area with her four siblings who have predeceased her: Gus, Vineta, Francis and Chris. Georgia was a middle child. She was also extremely gifted at math and was second in her graduating class. She wanted to become a teacher, and set off for college but her father’s poor health called her back home. Georgia also spent much time working in her father’s restaurant. She vowed at an early age that she would “never marry a restaurant man”.
Georgia spent her early adult years back in Chicago where she worked for Eastman Kodak company. She also was on the bowling league there and involved in her church. She loved the water and spent much time with her sister Francis at the beach.
Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?
She is more precious than rubies. (Proverbs 31:10)
While her children were young she would tell them “never say never”, as she did marry a restaurant man, and what a marriage they did have! Peter and Georgia joined in marriage on September 18th, 1960 and had three daughters.
Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. (Proverbs 31:11-12)
Georgia worked alongside Peter for some years in the American Café. She also spent ten years working for Edward Jones and assisted many people with their personal financial matters. She was trusted by many and her service was appreciated. She also volunteered as a math assistant in the Sault Area Schools, as a way to satisfy her long time dream of becoming a math teacher.
She is energetic and strong, a hard worker. (Proverbs 31:17)
Georgia had many travel adventures with Peter. They went to Greece, Scotland, England, Wales, Turkey, and many places in the US as well as Canada.
To know Georgia was to know a woman who had a huge smile for everyone, especially children. She was not a limelight person, but her inner light shined for all to see. She loved Jesus and her family and knew how to make you feel important, even when you were having a really bad day. She was petite but mighty in inner strength and resolve. She had many gifts including making something out of nothing…gourmet meals would be produced at any time, but her family would never eat the same thing twice because she never used a recipe book.
When she speaks, her words are wise,
and she gives instructions with kindness. (Proverbs 31:26)
Georgia will be greatly missed and remembered by her dear Peter and their daughters, Cathie Rogg, Joy (Mark) Allen, and Anastasia (Victor) Stacey, along with their 6 grandchildren, Pierce and Blythe Rogg, Christian and Charlotte Harrison and Hunter (Claire) and Hayden (Grace) Stacey.
Her children arise and call her blessed. Her husband praises her. (Proverbs 31:28)
When Georgia was very young and playing ball as a child, she recalled looking up to the sky and seeing the face of Jesus. She would tell this story with such wonder in her voice and a sparkle in her eye. She longed to see his face again. Rest well sweet Georgia in the arms of Jesus.
In lieu of flowers, please seek to forgive others, share your passions with many, spend time with your families in prayer, speak kind words to all, share your faith, and say words that are meaningful to your loved ones. If you feel you must do something, plant an apple tree or do something to grow meaningful life in others. These are Georgia’s wishes. If you wish to contribute, beyond that of the above, please consider:
The Gianakura Scholarship Fund, LSSU (scholarship for a future math teacher)
https://foundation.lssu.edu/scholarships/georgia-g-gianakura-mathematics-education-scholarship/,
Faith Hospice, who cared for Georgia for the past eighteen months with love and compassion. https://faithhospicecare.org/donate/ or Edison Christian Living Center, whose staff attended to every one of Georgia’s and her family’s needs with unparalleled grace and Christian love. https://www.edisonchristian.org/give/
Visitation will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, July 11th, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 330 Lakeside Dr. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 with funeral services following at 3:00 PM with Father Joshua Pappas conducting services.
Georgia will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery in Sault Ste. Marie, MI on Friday, July 15th at 10:00 AM with Father Ciprian Streza conducting the graveside service.
