Georgia A. Cordrey

Georgia Atherton Cordrey

Known for her vibrant personality and nurturing heart, Georgia Cordrey, 78, of Collegeville, Pennsylvania, passed away on February 26, 2024. Georgia was born in Northumberland, Pennsylvania, in 1945 to Rhoda Zong Atherton and George Irvin Atherton. The family moved to Crestline, Ohio, to finish her father's work as Vice President of Penn Central Railroad and is where she graduated high school in 1963. Georgia went on to study early education at Bowling Green University. She married Tom Cordrey in 1965 and they moved to Collegeville, Pennsylvania, in 1980 where she spent the rest of her life.

A beloved teacher at Happy Days Preschool, Georgia touched many hearts in our community. Her affectionate nature and encouraging spirit made her a magnet for children. She was a Master Gardener, and most days could be found tending to her garden. Georgia formed connections with people easily and was a loyal friend. She would light up a room with her storytelling and infectious laugh. Her warm hugs were generously offered to anyone in need and her unconditional love was felt by her family and friends.

Georgia met Tom at Crestline High School in Ohio and was drawn to his rebellious spirit, handsome face, and gentlemanly nature. She enjoyed many years of joy and adventure with her "white knight in shining armor," as she lovingly referred to him. Tom was her caregiver for the last five years of her life. Family was paramount to Georgia, and she had their first child shortly after Tom returned from Vietnam. She was a fun-loving and affectionate parent, with high expectations and stern enforcement of manners. When not working at the preschool, Georgia devoted her time to nurturing her grandchildren, sharing her love of reading, music, and art.

Georgia was passionate about traveling and visited numerous cities and countries throughout her lifetime. Many of us were blessed to have traveled with her and experienced the wonder and enthusiasm she brought to every place she visited. She never let her ego or difficulty with pronunciation stop her from diving into cultural traditions and engaging with the people and animals that lived there. Animals sensed her gentle spirit and sought her out wherever she went. Her home was never without a pet and included multiple kinds for many years.

Georgia was preceded in death by her father and mother, aunts and uncles, cousins, and friends. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Thomas D. Cordrey, of 59 years of marriage, and their four children: Thomas Daniel Cordrey, Melissa Cordrey Gallagher, Jennifer Cordrey Biddle, and Robert Mathew Cordrey, and twelve grandchildren: Myah, Ryan, Jonathan, Delaney, Colin, Madilyn, Hutton, Hannah, Becket, Gia, Anna, and Naomi. She is also survived by her brother Bud Atherton, his wife Kathy and nieces Jodi Sargent and Jill Mellish and their families, and relatives from the Trometter, Fletcher, and Cordrey family lineages.

We will remember our beloved Georgia for her big heart and loving spirit. We will miss her dearly but take comfort knowing she is in a better place and that she can now fully embody her free-spirited nature. Like the flowers she sowed from seed, the legacy of her love will continue to bloom in our hearts and memories.

The family is hosting a Visitation this Saturday, March 2nd from 10am-12pm at Holcombe Funeral Home at 21 Main Street in Trappe, PA in celebration of her life. All are welcome to attend. Family members will share memories at 11:30am. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer's Association are greatly appreciated.