Mary G George

Mary G. George entered into eternal rest with the Lord on Monday, Feb. 4, 2008. A loving wife, mother and friend, Mary will be missed by all who were touched by her infectious enthusiasm and gentle heart. Mary Tzanakis was born Nov. 8, 1931, in Toledo to Gust and Bessie Tzanakis. She grew up in the North End with her older sisters, Akrie and Sarah, who helped raise her. Mary graduated from Woodward High School in 1949 and attended Davis Business College. She began her career as a secretary for the City of Toledo and later worked as a secretary for the Toledo Public Schools, including many happy and fulfilling years in the Fine Arts Department at the district's administration building, where she made many friends. Mary was wed to the love of her life, W. Michael "Buddy" George, on May 21, 1960, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, the church where she grew up and learned her strong and enduring Christian faith. A daughter, Susan, was born the next year, and a son, Robert, followed two years after that. Mary loved being a mother and often described her early years with Susie and Bobby as the happiest of her life. Mary also loved being YaYia to her grandchildren, Gina and Adam, and delighted in their school, athletic, and musical activities. Mary was a longtime member of St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church and its Ladies Club. She sang in the St. Elias choir, visited the sick and elderly, and baked and cooked for church festivals and dinners. Mary belonged to the Woodward '49ers and enjoyed attending lunches and other get-togethers with her classmates. She was a member of Conn-Weisenberger Post 578 Auxiliary of the American Legion and the Woodley Seniors. Mary is survived by her devoted husband, Michael; daughter, Susan G. (Stephen) Murphy; and grandchildren, Gina and Adam Murphy. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Robert M. George, and her sisters, Akrie Bellas and Sarah Ball. Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Ansberg-West Funeral Home, 3000 West Sylvania Avenue., with Trisagion prayers at 7 p.m. Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, 4940 Harroun Rd., Sylvania, the Very Rev. Fr. Paul Albert presiding. Burial will be in Toledo Memorial Park. Memorial tributes may be made to St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, Franciscan Care Center or the Holy Transfiguration Monastery, in Ellwood City, PA. Mary's family wishes to express our special thanks to the caring and compassionate staffs at the Franciscan Center and the Goerlich Center, where she spent her final months.

Mary G George

February 4, 2008