Georgette "GiGi" Ann Medows

Georgette “GiGi” Ann Medows, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, wife, sister, and friend, passed away on September 11, 2026, at the age of 84. She was born on January 1, 1942, in Worcester, Massachusetts, to Wilfred A. Belisle and Hellen Sally Wolczak. Shortly after her birth, her family moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where GiGi would grow up and where she would ultimately return to spend the later years of her life.

GiGi grew up in Jacksonville and developed a lifelong love of the beach and dancing. She attended Andrew Jackson High School and, while still young, met the love of her life, Norman Medows. The two fell in love and were married on April 14, 1959. Their marriage began an adventure that would take GiGi across the country as a Navy wife, following Norman and his ship from port to port.

In 1961, GiGi and Norman welcomed their first child, Norman Jr. The family eventually settled near Chicago, Illinois, close to the Medows family, and later made their home in Portage, Indiana.

While raising her son and helping care for her brother-in-law, GiGi worked as a waitress. She and Norman eventually purchased a restaurant in a neighboring town and named it GiGi’s Restaurant.

The years at GiGi’s Restaurant were some of the happiest and most memorable of her life. GiGi loved the people she met, the friendships she formed, and the many stories and memories created over the years.

In 1974, she and Norman welcomed their daughter, Michelle. While Norman worked in the steel mills, GiGi continued running the restaurant and caring for her family. It was during these years that she perfected her famous biscuits and gravy—a favorite that became part of her family's cherished memories.

But GiGi’s greatest role was always being a mother. She was there for her children through every stage of their lives. Whether she was running around the racetrack with them or sitting for hours in the hot sun at the ballfield, GiGi showed up. She didn't just attend—she was there. Her children always knew they could count on her. And that never changed as they grew older. Even when her children became adults, GiGi remained a constant source of love, support, encouragement, and unconditional presence. If her kids were there, GiGi wanted to be there too.

GiGi also loved food—all kinds of food. She was always ready to go out to eat and, regardless of who was at the table, she would insist on paying. Sharing a meal with family and friends was one of her favorite things. But there was one part of the meal that was especially important to GiGi: dessert. You would be hard-pressed to find anyone more concerned about dessert than GiGi. She could have her dessert choice planned out before she even ordered her meal. Dessert wasn't an afterthought—it was part of the plan. After Norman retired, the couple returned to Florida to be closer to GiGi’s family and settled once again in Jacksonville. GiGi worked as a waitress for several years before joining Blue Cross Blue Shield. After 10 years, she retired so that she and Norman could spend time traveling the country together in their RV, enjoying the freedom and adventure of the open road.

Following their travels, GiGi returned to Jacksonville and went back to work, holding positions with several billing companies. She eventually found her home at Liberty Ambulance, where she worked for 15 years before finally retiring for good.

Retirement, however, only marked the beginning of one of the most important chapters of GiGi’s life: becoming a full-time grandmother. To her grandchildren, she was most lovingly known simply as Ma. Her grandchildren were her world, and she lived for every moment she could spend with them. She gave them her love, her time, her stories, and the warmth that made them always feel at home.

GiGi will be remembered for her strong spirit, generous heart, love of family, sense of adventure, and the countless friendships she made throughout her life. She was the person who showed up, the person who made sure everyone was fed, the person who insisted on picking up the check, and the person who somehow already knew what she was having for dessert.

From following a Navy ship from port to port, to running a restaurant, traveling the country in an RV, cheering from the sidelines, sharing meals with the people she loved, and eventually becoming the beloved family matriarch, GiGi lived a life full of love, hard work, laughter, food, family, and unforgettable memories.

GiGi is survived by her son, Norman Medows Jr.; her daughter, Michelle Bradner (Brad); her grandchildren, Rex Medows, Ashley Huntley (Ray), Bailey Bradner, and Benjamin Bradner; and several great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilfred A. Belisle and Hellen Sally Wolczak; her sister, Marie Schaefer; and her beloved husband of 52 years, Norman Medows Sr.

Though GiGi is no longer with us, her love lives on in the family she cherished so deeply, in the friendships she made, and in the countless memories she left behind. Her children will remember the mother who was always there. Her grandchildren will remember their beloved Ma. And everyone who knew her will remember her laughter, her generosity, her love of good food, and—of course—her unwavering commitment to dessert.

She was one of a kind, and there will never be another GiGi. Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever Mom!

Visitation will be held at COREY-KERLIN FUNERAL HOME PA, 940 Cesery Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32211 on September 20, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

A Funeral Mass will take place at Christ the King Catholic Church, 742 Arlington Rd N, Jacksonville, FL 32211 on September 21, 2026, at 11:00 am.

A Committal Service will be held at Greenlawn Cemetery following the funeral services.