Georgianna Safford

RAPID RIVER- Georgianna “Georgie” Mae (Chisholm) Safford, 87, was born on February 28th, 1929, in Saginaw, Michigan, and died peacefully November 1, 2016, at her farm home in Rapid River in the presence of loving family. Georgie is the daughter of Stanley Chisholm and Hazel (Roux) Chisholm, both of Saginaw and both deceased.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Thomas Safford (son of Elmer and Winifred Safford of Saginaw, MI and sisters Helen Myers of Wilton, Iowa and Jane Nankee of Midland, MI all of which preceded him in death), sons, Tom Safford II, Klint Safford and Daniel “Duke” Safford. One granddaughter, Angela Mae Safford, Carney as well as her brother Dwight and Edward Chisholm of Saginaw, MI and sisters Oneita Hammell of Jackson, MI and Judy Marty of Saginaw, MI.
She is survived by her daughter, Cindy Brock (Pete) of Rapid River; daughter, Jenny Safford of Edgewood, Maryland; daughter, Rev. Susan (Mike) Safford-Gaul, Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin; son, Sim Safford, Sheboygan, Wisconsin; daughters-in-law Alice Safford Samuel, Davisburg, Dale Safford, Iron River and Kris Safford, Mullet Lake, Michigan. Sixteen grandchildren, Amy (Gary) Bridges, Desert Hot Springs, CA; Greta Brock, Boyne City; Liz (Darryl) Hansen, Waverly, OH; Jill Latta, Jacksonville, FL; Sara (Adam) Leigh-Manuell, Cincinnati, OH; Meggie Safford, Sacremento, CA; Sandy Safford, Cheboygan; Jackie Safford, Iron River; Holly (Eric) Sargent, Tapiola, MI; Sam Safford, Holt; Luke Safford, Mass City, MI; Erich Gaul, Jason Gaul, Annette (Georgie) (Adam) Koepke of Appleton, WI; Rachel and Maria Safford, Kohler, WI; sister Hazel Schwarck and several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Georgie was born and raised in Saginaw, MI and after graduation from Arthur Hill High School in 1947, she married her high school sweetheart Tom Safford. Georgie and Tom were married and celebrated each one of their sixty-one years.
Georgie’s whole life was an adventure with one of her biggest adventures being her move to the U.P. with Tom in 1956, buying a home, raising a family and starting her career.
Her outside interests were Church, Women’s Fellowship, being a 4-H leader for 35 years as well as 15 years as a member of the Town and Country Study group. From 1978 to 1985, Georgie became the first Foster Grandparent Program Director for the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. During her work as Program Director, she fulfilled a life-long dream when she became a licensed Social Worker with the State of Michigan. She then took great pride in establishing the Foster Grandparent Program Foundation in 1982 and continued her association after her retirement from the program in September, 1985. The FGP Foundation provides support to maintain the program within her much loved community.
Funeral visitation will be held at the Skradski Funeral Home, Gladstone, on Sunday, November 6 from 4-7 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 7 with a 9:30-11 a.m. visitation followed by the 11 a.m. service conducted by Pastor Bill Rafuse at the Rapid River Congregational Church. Sharing in the service will be members of Georgie’s family. Following will be a Committal Service at the Rapid River Cemetery.
Memorials may be designated to the Upper Peninsula Foster Grandparent Program Foundation, P.O. Box 194, Rapid River, MI. 49878 or Congregational Church, P.O. Box 369, Rapid River, MI., 49878.
To leave a message of condolence to the family or to leave a memory tribute in Georgie Safford’s honor please visit www.skradskifuneralhomes.com
When Georgie was asked, “What would you do differently in life if you could?”
She responded, “I have no regrets nor need any do-overs. I have lived a very fulfilled life!”