It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Georgia Helen Howard. She leaves to mourn her husband of 45 years, Ronald, children Jane (Joe) Shaver, Jordan (Jesse) Howard, grandchildren Connor, Matei, Georgia, and Abigail, brothers Harvey (Mary) Voth, Rodney (Priscilla) Voth, Lee (Micki) Voth, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Larry and Priscilla Larsen as well a numerous nieces and nephews.
Georgia is predeceased by her parents, George and Nettie Voth, and brother Meno Voth.
Georgia was born in Altona Manitoba and moved with the family to Vanderhoof as a preschooler. She had her early education in a one room school house there and went to MEI in Clearbrook for her high school.
Following grade 13 she moved to Prince George where she not only started her banking career but met the man whom she would love and be loved by for 45 years.
Married on June 27, 1970, Ron and Georgia soon moved to Vancouver Island where their family was assembled, first with the birth of Jane in 1973 and then Jordan in 1975, achieving gender balance a full 40 years before the federal cabinet!
In 1978 the family moved to the lower mainland where Georgia joined the Royal Bank for whom she cheerfully toiled for the next 33 years.
Moving to 100 Mile in 1985 she was welcomed into a new RBC family from which she developed many fast friendships among her co-workers, clients, and shop owners along Birch Avenue. While in 100 Mile also, Georgia became highly respected as a quilter with a keen eye for colour and design. She served on the local arts council, various school parent groups and with the hospice society.
In 2012 retirement took Ron and Georgia to Vancouver. Georgia loved the city: exploring its neighbourhoods and shops, enjoying its cultural offerings and finding two new quilting groups in which to develop her creative side.
From Vancouver Ron and Georgia were able to travel extensively in their all-too-short retirement. During this time they also made numerous trips to 100 Mile.
It is both poignant and significant that at the time of her death Georgia was again making the journey back home to 100 Mile to spend Christmas with her family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice or go do something nice with your grandchildren.
Georgia’s favourite charities are BC Children’s Hospital and Union Gospel Mission. A memorial service will be held at a later date.