Georgia French

Georgia French, 86, of St. Petersburg, formerly of Rockford, IL, passed away on Sunday, May 5th, due to complications after heart surgery. Born in Okeechobee, FL on July 30th, 1926, she was the daughter of Carrell and Annice Bowyer. She was devoted to her family, church, and community. Georgia was a voracious reader, an avid crossword puzzler, and had a passion for history. In 2006 she was conferred the St. Jude the Apostle Medal from the Diocese of St. Petersburg to recognize her distinguished and outstanding service to Holy Cross Catholic Church. Her years of exceptional community service began in Rockford, IL: President of St. Anne's Society of St. Peter Cathedral, PTA board member of St. Peter Cathedral School, officer of Catholic Women's League, chairman of La Promesse, president of Holy Family Women's Guild, board member of Catholic Charities, Cub Scout leader, Girl Scout leader, and volunteer hair stylist at River Bluff Nursing Home. Her commitment to volunteering continued in St. Petersburg: team leader for FAST (Faith and Action for Strength Together), officer of Holy Cross Church Columbiettes, secretary of Holy Cross liturgy committee, coordinator of Holy Cross readers, secretary of her condo association, president and secretary of Holy Cross Women's Club,alto in the Holy Cross Choir and minister of sick for shut-ins and Helping Hands Assisted Living Facility. Georgia was preceded in death by husbands Maurice Hannon and Robert French, son Michael, sisters Bettie Ostergaard and Jeannette White, brother Joe Bowyer, and close friend Michael Tomasulo. Survivors include her four daughters: Maureen Hannon, Stillman Valley, IL, Kathleen Johnson, Madera, CA, Kristine Apfeld, Wolfeboro, NH, Victoria Terpstra, S. Beloit, IL; six sons: David Hannon, Wheaton, IL, Robert French, Springfield, IL, Mark Hannon, Bolingbrook, IL, James French, Whitefish Bay, WI, Stephen Hannon, Arvada, CO, John Hannon, Gurnee, IL; 26 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her. Many have been touched by Georgia's strength and courage. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Vincent DePaul, 7851 54th Avenue N, St. Petersburg, FL 33709. Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00 am, Saturday, May 25, 2013, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Rd.Rockford, IL 61107. Visitation will be from 9:30 am until 10:45 am on Saturday at the church. Burial in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd.