2/10/1923 – 10/27/2020
Ann Arbor, MI
Georgia Mary Smith Labunes passed away peacefully at home on October 27, 2020 after a good long life of 97 years. She was born February 10, 1923 in Bay Township, MI, the second child of Harrison Landon Smith and Mayme Stafford Smith. She grew up on the family farm between Charlevoix and Petoskey. After graduating from Charlevoix High School in 1941, she attended Central Michigan University.
During World War II, Georgia worked at the Willow Run Bomber Plant for two and a half years. It was there she met her future husband, Samuel Labunes. They married in 1945 and were together for more than 50 years before his death in 2000.
Georgia was a secretary at the University of Michigan School of Education for 30 years, retiring in 1985. She was a member of First United Methodist Church for over 50 years.
Georgia never lost her love of Northern Michigan. She and her husband enjoyed hosting family and friends at their lake cottage near Charlevoix. She was the unofficial family historian, collecting photos and writing stories to preserve for the future.
In recent years Georgia enjoyed taking part in activities with the American Rosie the Riveter Association and the Yankee Air Museum. She was very proud of being an Original Rosie. She gave a video history interview for the Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress and helped set the Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of Rosie the Riveters in 2017.
Georgia was an inspiration on how to age with independence and grace. She believed in staying active, eating well, working hard, and maintaining close relationships with family and friends. In the face of health challenges, she remained in good humor with a smile on her face. The family is grateful to the staff of Homewatch CareGivers for the support that enabled her to remain in her own home through the end of her life.
Georgia was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brother Charles C. Smith, her sister Carol Graganta, and her nephew Richard Olson. She is survived by her nieces Sharon Graganta of Chelsea, MI, Shirley Iglesias of Reading, PA, and Marlene (Nick) Dussia of Romulus, MI; nephew Jacob (Marlena) Kardys of Romulus, MI; grandnieces Jennifer Kardys of Brownstown, MI, and Barbara Olson of Romulus, MI; cousin Linda (Michael) Stein of Midland, MI; and many friends.
Visitation wlll take place at Muehlig Funeral Chapel in Ann Arbor on Nov. 2, 2020 starting at 9:00 am, with services at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Michigan Memorial Park in Flat Rock, MI. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Humane Society of Huron Valley or to Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels.
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