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Georgia Croake Obituary
Georgia Kampschaefer Croake, 84, of Lafayette, Ind., died Wednesday morning at St. Elizabeth Central Hospital after a six-month battle with lung cancer.
Born in Chicago on November 14, 1927, to George and Marion Kampschaefer, she moved to Middletown, Ohio, as a teen and graduated from Middletown High School in 1946. Georgia attended Purdue University, majoring in home economics.
She married Thomas M. Croake on August 26, 1950, in Middletown. They moved to Lafayette in 1968. Georgia, who continued to bowl in a local league until a year ago, spent many years working in retail as a decorator, bridal consultant and sales representative in both the Cincinnati/Dayton/Middletown area and Lafayette.
She was preceeded in death by her parents, a brother, George Kampschaefer, Jr., of Houston, Texas, her husband, Tom, who died in January 2003, and companion Robert Heym, who died in December, 2011.
She is survived by her daughters Karen (John) Heisler of Granger, Ind., and Lori (Tony) Meluch of Statesville, N.C., and four grandchildren - Scott Heisler of Dublin, Ireland; Tim Heisler of Granger; and Matthew and Anne Meluch of Statesville.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. today at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel. Inurnment will occur at a later date at Woodside Cemetery in Middletown, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Georgia's name to the Mike Brey Coaches vs. Cancer Foundation, American Cancer Society, 130 Red Coach Drive, Mishawaka, IN 46545 or a charity of your choice. Leave condolences at www.soller-baker.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Georgia Croake
thelma bice
August 19, 2012
I was so sorry to read about Georgia this morning. I considered her a friend, even though I knew her for such a short time while we were both at Creasy Springs. Prayers and HUGS to you, Lori, and your family and your sister. Georgia was a beautiful lady.
Jack & Rosemary Kelley & Family
August 18, 2012
Dear Lori, Tony, Matthew and Anne,
We are so sorry to hear about your Mother and grandmother. Be assured that You are in our thoughts and prayers. With much love,
August 18, 2012
Dear Karen and Lori,
I was you mother's next door neigbor for many years while I lived in Lafayette. I loved every minute living next door to your parents. We shared many many good times together. She has been my dear friend for so many years. Your mother and father were so dear to my children, Jeremy, Mika and Gretchen. They were like grandparents to them. I am so sad to hear of this news. I know Goergia is in heaven loving everyone and making them laugh. She was so good to me for so many years. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. I will think of your mother often.
Jenny Porro
West Palm beach,Florida
August 18, 2012
Karen, John, Scott, Tim,
So sorry about your mom and grandmother. You are all in our prayers. God bless.
-Linda, Tom Misch and family
August 17, 2012
Lori and Tony and family - So sorry to hear about your mom. Mary Ann Zelinsky
Debbie Fruitt
August 16, 2012
I had the absolute pleasure of working with Georgia at Stein Mart. She was a true class act and knew no strangers. May she continue to dress the angels above. You will be missed but never forgotten!
August 16, 2012
Aww...Lori and Karen we go back so far! When we all first became friends your mother was working at Loeb's and Karen was still in college. My, oh my, the memories!! Georgia was always so stylish and hate the classiest wardrobe and had such a talent when it came to home decorating and presentations. Poor Lori and I didn't have a prayer trying to keep up with her but I imagine Karen inherited many of those wonderful qualities. I remember your mom always wanting to sit down and chat with us when I spent the nights and that was a LOT of nights. She would curl up on the couch with us and share the latest gossip or see how I was or what was going on with my family. She was so personable and funny...and that energy! Do you remember the time you took a trip somewhere and had some car trouble and how she shared with us that she had flirted with the mechanic and he fixed her car first? She was so proud that she still had "it" and she did! She held on to that spirit of fun and magnetism and no one wanted to be in another room when Georgia was around. I have so many good memories of her and they are all so full of color. My thoughts and prayers and hugs are with you both tonight and hope you find much peace in all these wonderful memories that make up the very eclectic and classy lady that she was. Much love to you both.
Norah
Vicki Gross
August 16, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Georgia was a sweet "LADY" and I loved working with her, I always learned something new from her and she made everything fun. Georgia you will be missed. God Bless!!
Josh Bird
August 16, 2012
I had the pleasure of being Georgia's "Lawn Boy" 5 years ago. Georgia made a huge impact in my life, and I am sad that the world has lost such a sweet lady. My prayers go out to her family.
Madonna Compton
August 16, 2012
Georgia you were loved by so many people! I always looked forward to being around you as you made everyone feel so good. I thank you for your friendship over the years!. You were such an inspiration to all of us. I will miss seeing you. I know you are in heaven already making sure everyone is dressed and looking their best. Love you my friend forever!
August 16, 2012
Dear Karen and family, ours thoughts are with you. Sincerely,Rosann and Peter Vaas
Tami Johnson
August 16, 2012
I didn't know Georgia "personally" but she helped me when I bought my wedding dress. I always enjoyed seeing her around town. She always had a smile on her face and put one on yours. Thoughts and prayers are with your family.
August 16, 2012
You always made me feel special. I will miss you dearly. Dayna Flowers Nelson
August 16, 2012
You always made me laugh! I will miss you! Love Dayna
Ginny Hull
August 15, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you at the time. Georgia was one of my very best friends and I will miss her always.
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