August 3, 1940 – March 1, 2018
at the age of 77 years
Funeral Service: Monday, March 12, 2018, 11:00 a.m., St. Joseph’s Catholic Church
Visitation, Sunday, March 11, 2018, 3:00 p.m., Fischer’s Funeral Services
Georgina Lazzarotto (nee Godwin) was born Aug 03, 1940, the last of three girls to George & Agatha Godwin of Rhydyfelin, Glamorgan, S. Wales UK
She left to be with the Lord on March 01,2018 after a short stay of 5 days in hospital at Salmon Arm, B.C.
Georgina came to Canada as a young nurse in 1964 along with 3 others to seek adventure after answering an ad for nurses in the Province of Saskatchewan.
She started her career in Paradise Hill a small town in NW Sask, She spent a short time in Calgary at the TB San. and in the early 1970’s started work with the Federal Department of Indian Affairs as it was called then. Her duties took her to remote First Nation villages in Northern, Sask, These included La Ronge, Stanley Mission, South End and Co-op Point. She developed a wonderful relationship with the Cree First Nation who honored her with Moose hide jacket. She worked with community elders who accompanied her to translate. Often her patients had to be flown to a large community centers for treatment. It was while flying around the North that she met Lorne who was also flying in the North with the RCMP. Lorne was transfered from La Ronge to Morse, Sask prior to their marriage in Saskatoon on Feb 03-1973. After the birth of their first son Ryan they moved to Regina where Lorne continued with the RCMP. During these years in Regina Georgina stayed at home to raise Ryan and their chosen son Christian. It was while in Regina she started to develop her love for music by taking on the request of the priest to direct the church choir. At one point Georgina was directing three choirs in that parish. Regular choir, children’s choir and a choir that sang at funerals. Together they moved to Williams Lake in 1986 after ten years in Regina. In Williams Lake she again took on the challenge of directing the church choir, working with 7 different priests over a period of 27 years. In addition to regular duties on Sundays she played at weddings, funerals and special occasions. The first special one involved fund raising for a brand new church organ. This was used the whole time and was played by several special pianists while she lived there.
In addition to church involvement Georgina volunteered on the children’s Festival Committee for many years and taught voice lessons to as many as 18 students on the go at one time. Her greatest individual musical achievement was to obtain her Licentiate in Voice with the highest mark in Western Canada from the Western Board of Music. In addition to all this she continued her nursing career at Cariboo Memorial Hospital, working in the operating room, day care and recovery. After being on call for many years and with age creeping up she retired from active nursing in 2002. She then took an instructor position with Thompson Rivers University in Williams Lake teaching several courses in the Home Support Resident Care Aid Program to finish off her nursing career. One class was specially designed for First Nation Women.
In order to be closer to family in Revelstoke the last move was made to Salmon Arm in 2013. While in Salmon Arm she again was involved with the church choir but in a lesser capacity as her directing arm was getting worn out after 37 plus years of standing out front of a choir. Georgina continued her association in volunteering with the local Music Festival. Other volunteer work involved visiting the sick in the hospital as an outreach with the Catholic Church.
Special thanks to Dr’s. Main & Wilson for their considerate care and excellent liaison with the family during Georgina’s latter days. Also, a loving hug to the nurses in ICU who guided her through
a rough time with all the medical attachments. Blessings to you all.
The Funeral Service for Georgina will be held on Monday March 12th @ 11 AM at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Salmon Arm. Reception to follow in Church Hall. Donations in Georgina’s name to “The BC Lung Association, PO Box 34009 Stn. D, Vancouver, B.C. would be welcome to further research Pulmonary Fibrosis.
It has just been a little over 6 wks since Georgina passed on to Paradise but she has been in my thoughts often. I can’t help thinking that the choirs of angels are much improved since she has taken over as their maestra. Such a beautiful lady. So sorry for your loss, Lorne Ryan and Chris. Thinking of you.
Hugs,
Susie
I was so sorry to hear that Georgina had passed away. I know I was very fortunate to work with her in the Operating Room at Cariboo Memorial Hospital in Williams Lake. She was a great Nurse, a wonderful person, and a tremendously warm and gentle hearted woman. She will be greatly missed by so many family members and friends, and she will be remembered for her many fine qualities. That is, after all, the very best we can say about someone – that they will be missed. My condolences to Lorne and the family. Dr. Skye Raffard
Cannot imagine how you are feeling right now Lorne, kind of at a loss for words. You, Georgina and the Sortwells are in some of our favorite memories. Great get togethers! If anybody’s face could light up a room it was Georgina’s. Our thoughts are with you and your family Lorne, we are so so sorry and will always hold dear her memory.
Dear Lorne & Family: We were so saddened to see Georgina’s obit in the Williams Lake Tribune. My favourite memory is when she had her Christmas cactus finally bloom. She was a sweet lady and our sincerest sympathies go to you and your family. Lorne I enjoyed working with you at TRU and wish all the best to you in these difficult times.
So very sorry to hear this news, Lorne. Georgina was always there when we needed her for services, a pleasure to work with, a talented musician and singer. We have thought many times in the past few days of all that she did for us. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Dear Lorne and Family – My sincere sympathy on Georgina’s passing. It was my pleasure to get to know her a little better when the artists and spouses came to my place at Charlotte lake. Although she didn’t have a ukulele or guitar she joined in with her beautiful voice making our group complete. On reading her obituary it was evident that she contributed an amazing amount to whatever community she resided in. I do hope you and your family are managing in spite of missing her so much. Take care, all of you. Love and Prayers,
Anne Kohut
I’m sorry to hear of Georgina’s passing. While I never met Georgina, I met Lorne several times as he gave communion to my Dad (Dick Gregory) at Mt. Ida Mews. I found Lorne to be a very nice gentleman. My sincere condolences to Lorne and the family.
I met Georgina in Williams Lake where she was directing the church choir. She had an amazing talent controlling those wild Cariboo singers. We were delighted to have her join our choir in Salmon Arm. Heaven’s choir will be improved with her attendance.
So sorry for your loss Lorne.
Dear Lorne , Ryan, and family. Georgina was a remarkable, lovely soul with the voice of an angel and a laugh that would light up a room. My heart aches for you.
We are thinking of you in this time of sorrow. Having your family close will help keep you strong.
Allen and Pat Lloyd.
To the family of Georgina she was my teacher in 2003 in Williams Lake she changed my life with her guidance and patience with my book work .she used to tell me don’t worry your a hands on person you don’t learn from books after any time I saw her at the seniors village she always stoped for a chat my thoughts and prayers are with you she will be missed by all
To Lorne and family. We were deeply saddened to see Georgina’s obit in the WL Tribune. Such a lovely, sweet and gentle woman who will be greatly missed by all those who knew her. Take solace in knowing Georgina is at peace and with The Lord.
To Lorne and family. It is with great sadness that we learned of Georgina’s passing. We were privileged to have known such a great lady. Our sincere condolences to you all during this most difficult time.