Georgia Marie Grady

Our selfless, loving Mother, Georgia M. Grady joined so many family members and friends in Heaven on June 10, 2023. She fully lived 96 years. Georgia spent each day bringing joy to everyone she met. Her wisdom guided all our lives, her humor lightened all our loads, and her unconditional love made us all feel special.

Georgia told us recently that she was looking forward to being reunited with the love of her life, James G. Grady. They were together 57 years. She is survived by their four children, Steve (Bev) Grady, Loretta (John) Leffin, Alecia (James) Brant, and James Grady (Norma). She adored her grandchildren, Melissa and Krista (Nick) – children of Loretta and John, and Sarah and Daniel – children of James and Carolyn. She was blessed to have a step granddaughter, Kristy (Louie) – daughter of Bev (Steve), and step great grandchildren, Angelina (Hartleigh), Felicia, Kiera, and Leila. Georgia was so proud of her family. She loved the yearly gatherings on the shore of Lake Michigan in Saugatuck and many winters spent in Palm Springs. Georgia and her family always connected over her love of sports, especially Notre Dame football (Go Irish!).

Georgia was born in Lawrenceville, IL where she grew up on her family farm. She was a Music major at DePauw University and began her career teaching high school music. She then attended St. Francis University and received her masters in Elementary Education. She was a teacher in Fort Wayne until she was 63 years old and recognized as Indiana Teacher of the Year during her career. Most of those years she taught at Harrison Hill Elementary School where she began the Reading Readiness program. She adored her students and cherished her teacher friends.

Georgia took such pride in her home that she lived in for over 60 years and cherished her long time neighbors. In 2018, Kingston Residence Assisted Living became her new home. The residents and staff became her extended family and added longevity and quality to her life. Georgia loved to lead and get involved, and Kingston provided her that opportunity. Her presence there will be dearly missed.

Georgia also thrived because of her relationship with the wonderful people that provided her hospice care for many years. Their entire team lifted her up daily, and she became friends with each one. They truly made a difference in her life, as she did in theirs.

In keeping with Georgia’s wishes, we will have an intimate celebration at Kingston Residence of Fort Wayne, 7515 Winchester Road, on Wednesday, June 21. Georgia loved this lyric from Irving Berlin, “The song has ended, but the melody lingers on.” May the love and impact she has made be the underscore of each of our lives.