Georgia Papador
Georgia Papador passed away peacefully at age 89 in her home on May 29, 2017 surrounded by her three children.
Georgia Helen Savas was born on November 8, 1927 in Milwaukee WI. Born to Thanatos and Amalia Savas, Georgia was the youngest child among three older brothers. Met with tragedy at an early age, the family lost their father when Georgia was only 2 years old. In his stead, she grew up with a fiercely strong mother and three protective brothers, paving the way for her own resilient and humble nature.
She grew to be a steadfast friend, math whiz, and fashionable dresser, and left high school with a yearbook full of signatures from what would be long standing friends. After her graduation her life really started, when she met her husband George Papador in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She married “the life of the party” and settled down in Brookfield, WI to raise her three children. She made her mark in the community there as an active member of her church and a hard-hand-to-beat in her local bridge circle.
After so many wonderful years in Brookfield, the winds of change had called George to a different coast and their family was relocated to Santa Barbara, CA in 1973. No stranger to upheaval, Georgia said heartfelt goodbyes to her close knit community, and set foot in her new hometown with intention and strength. With her children grown enough, and a smart head on her shoulders, Georgia took a position at the local Santa Barbara Internal Revenue Service where she worked for 35 years, eventually retiring at the age of 80. Georgia was known around town as one of the friendliest faces at the IRS, and had a reputation for always being patient and helpful to anyone who walked in. She frequently mentored her peers and family members, and was well known for her kindness and leadership.
When she wasn’t being an advocate at the IRS, Georgia loved to fill her time with colorful crafts and activities. She was a hobbyist, whose love for hand-made creations she passed down to her children and grandchildren. She made gorgeous flower arrangements, Christmas ornaments, needlepoint works, and was perhaps best known for her floral wreaths. Her skills were easily translated in her love for the Santa Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, where she often volunteered for various parish ministries.
Georgia was a woman of fierce endurance and pride of self. She never left the house without looking her absolute best, with nails done and lipstick on- be it church pew or hospital bed. She will be remembered for her strength, sense of humor, independence, kindness, and generosity.
Georgia is survived by her three children, Amy and husband Walter Dombrowski, Mary and husband Richard Mendoza, and George and wife Tracy (Lunsford). She is also survived by her six grandchildren, Wally, Alexis, Anna, George, Joe and Lia, who grew up to bask in the warm glow of her love. She will be dearly missed.
Donations can be made to the St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church Capitol Fund or Visiting Nurse Hospice Care.