Georgie slipped peacefully through the surly bonds of earth on June 18, 2012, in the Golden Hospital, Golden, BC, comforted by family.
Celebrating her life as wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, artist and miniaturist extraordinaire, are her husband of 65 years, Wally, her brother Doug (Bill), children Chuck (Helena), Elaine Haley (Kevin), Carolyn Lilgert (Dennis), grandchildren Ashley (Steve), Andrew (Jessica), Alea (Kevin), Justine, Ryan, Nicholas, Corinna, Amanda, Jake and great-grandson Etnee.
She was predeceased by her parents, Bernard and Maisy (Gunn) Luyendyk, and her two sisters, Audrey (Green) and Bernice (Jackson), in-laws, Ted and Vera Prockiw, Joe and Pam Prockiw, and brother-in-law Bill Jackson.
Georgie was born in Winnipeg on August 24th,1926. She and her family moved to Manila, Philippines, in 1938, where they lived quite happily for several years before being interned for 4 years in Santo Tomas University by Japanese forces during WW2.
Her time in the Philippines had a very significant impact on her life. The family returned to Canada in 1946, and in June of that year, Georgie met Walter at Winnipeg beach, and they were married in January 1947.
Georgie had a huge talent as a painter, seamstress, dollmaker, and miniaturist. After her children left home, Georgie began working with porcelain dolls and later miniatures, and joined MEO (Miniature Enthusiasts of Ottawa) and, after a move to Edmonton (Spruce Grove) in 1995, joined the MEE (Miniature Enthusiasts of Edmonton) and the local Spruce Grove miniaturists.
Miniature dolls became her passion, and she enjoyed creating unique 1/2″ scale dolls for clients all over the world and exhibiting at shows all across Canada. A miniature doll of Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, on her 100th birthday, was given to Queen Elizabeth II at Balmoral Castle in August 2005. She continued to create dolls up until the age of 80 years.
At Georgie’s request, a funeral will not be held. A private family memorial will be celebrated on her 86th birthday. Raise a G & T high and cheers to Georgie. We love you always and will keep you forever in our hearts.
