Georgia E. Olson
February 22, 1920 - July 22, 2010
Obituary
Georgia E. Olson Feb 22, 1920 – July 22, 2010
Lawrence and Esther Odekirk welcomed their first born child, on February 22, 1920, in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was the oldest of eight. This child, Georgia Elizabeth Jo Odekirk, was one of those born with a special spark. She grew into a beautiful woman, whose presence affected everyone she knew. Georgia’s glowing energy, sharp intelligence, quick humor, quiet compassionate empathy, and broad spiritual instincts were simply a part of her essential nature. Gifts from God.
Her life and her ongoing explorations into the spiritual world only polished that essence. Georgia’s extensive studies of Christianity and Christian mysticism left her a committed, if unassuming Christian. She also worked and practiced under the guidance of the Sufi teacher, Pir Vilayat Khan. She also practiced deep trance Tibetan yoga with the student Esau Mohammed El Americaee. Georgia understood that at their core, all the worlds’ great religions had the same message. Her vanity license plate, YCWNIR1, was both a puzzle and a koan for the thoughtful.
Using what she practiced Georgia uncoiled her soul and left – peacefully and consciously surrounded and supported by two generations of her family. She died at 12:30 pm, July 22, 2010, after 90 years. An exemplary end to a full life.
Georgia raised and nurtured her four children with husband Tom Weinerth: Julia Sischo Ochsner, Tom, and Mike deceased and with husband Bob Malaska: Kip wife Jeri Malaska. In 1961, she married her soul mate Jack Olson and helped raise his two sons John and Bob Olson. Georgia has four grandchildren: Kurt Ochsner deceased, Erich Ochsner, Heidi Ochsner Hynes and Matheau Weinerth. She also has five great grandchildren: Madeline and Aimee Ochsner Kurt, and Keegan, Callie Jo, and Shea Hynes Heidi. Her surviving siblings are Max, Richard, Bill, and Lo Hua Odekirk and Beverly Odekirk Stern as well as many nieces and nephews.
Georgia worked at Boeing as a technical writer and in Personnel, she was also a real-estate agent. Later in life, Georgia became a biofeedback technician because she thought of it as a way to introduce meditative techniques to modern people and as a way of validating and strengthening her own meditative techniques. She also worked and volunteered in the U of W Hospital gift shop.
A member of the Seattle Photographic Society, Georgia, along with her husband Jack, was an award winning master photographer; as is evidenced by the thousands of stunning slides and photos she produced, organized and left for her children. She was an avid gardener, with an extra green thumb. Georgia just seemed to know what a plant, person or animal needed. She regularly opened her home, and her heart, to needful people and critters. To help, heal and defend the weak or injured was first nature to her.
Always ready for a new adventure, at 87, partially blind, and in failing health Georgia decided to move to Hot Springs, Montana. There she lived in her own home where she spent three happy, fun filled years visiting with her sister and a bevy of new friends, as well as soaking in the hot springs. Finally, Georgia returned to Seattle and spent her last days with her children, family and friends.
Georgia’s immediate family will privately celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial gifts to your local animal shelter, the Franciscan Hospice in Tacoma, Washington or the National Wildlife Federation.
It was a great blessing to have known first Jack and Georgia as a couple and then to really get to know Georgia after Jack’s passing. What an incredible woman and great friend. My love to her family.
In the time I was part of Georgia’s family, I thought she was one of the most vibrant women I had met. Years later, when we were reunited, I was reminded what a warm and intelligent person Georgia was — with a wonderful sense of humor, too! I am sorry she is gone, but Georgia will live on through her lovely family.
Georgia was indeed an extraordinary woman. Her many kindnesses to make me feel a part of this extended family were much appreciated. She will be sorely missed but I am confident she will make her presence known in heaven and has already found new challenges. Sincerely, Barbara Malaska
My Grandmother Georgia was a very special woman. I appreciated her for her great stories and her spirituality. Georgia was always giving, always compassionate, always teaching. I spent a lot of time with her as a child and young woman and I appreciate all the time she spent with me and all the life lessons I learned. Thanks Grandma.
Love Heidi.
Georgia and Jack were two of the best loved friends of my life. They helped me through some difficuly patches in my life, always there to help, advise.
I have missed Jack dearly. And now Georgia.
But my faith assures me that they are together now.
Maybe I shall join them in the not too distant future.
I will forever love you and miss your compassion for all living things. Love Erich