Lake Forest Obituary: Georgia Paps

The following obituary is courtesy of Wenban Funeral Home.

Georgia Anagnost Paps, died in Lake Forest on Tuesday, February 3, 2015, surrounded by her family. Born on February 10, 1920, her long and full life was marked by her love of family, interior design, travel, the culinary arts and, very importantly, music.

She was the devoted daughter of the late Charles and Katina Anagnost; the adored mother of Joanna (the late Robert) Rolek and Kathryn (James) Govas; and beloved grandmother to Kristen and Stefanie Rolek, Brandon (Brooke) and great-grandson, Bobby Rolek. A 50-year resident of Evanston, in 2000 she moved to Lake Forest to be near her two daughters.

Raised in Chicago, her interest and talent in the arts led her to Ferry Hall in Lake Forest and to Chicago Musical College (now Roosevelt University’s College of the Performing Arts) where she obtained a degree in music education and vocal performance, launched a performing career, and became a faculty member in the voice department.

Her career included performances on concert stages and at events throughout Chicago, opera productions, international radio broadcasts on behalf of Greek War Relief and she won several professional vocal competitions. She also developed a love of choral conducting that spanned more than six decades and the choirs at three churches: Annunciation Cathedral, St. Demetrios, and Assumption Greek Orthodox churches.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 6, at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1017 N. LaSalle Blvd. in Chicago. Visitation will be at the church prior to the service, from 9:30 to 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Georgia Anagnost Paps Voice Scholarship Fund, c/o Roosevelt University, 430 S. Michigan Avenue, Office 818, Chicago, IL 60605, 312-341-2421, or contributions can be made in her name to the American Heart Association, Memorial Lockbox, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674.