Georgia P. Sakas

Georgia Peter Sakas peacefully passed away on Saturday, January 18.  She will be interred at the Guttenberg City Cemetery and the family will have a private remembrance later this year. 

Georgia was born September 8, 1926 in Rockford, Illinois to Peter & Helen Retsinas. She was the fourth of six children in a close-knit Greek family.  She was a beautiful little girl who was gifted with a superb singing voice and began performing as a child.  Georgia was the solo opening act for the Three Stooges at the Orpheum Theater in Rockford and the Stooges were so impressed with young Georgia they used her in one of their skits.  After high school graduation she continued singing and starring in performances while attending Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Music.   She married Basil Sakas in 1952. Basil and Georgia moved many times with Basil’s jobs before settling in Ft. Collins, Colorado in 1968.  They were blessed with two wonderful children, Lisa and Peter.

Georgia was an elementary music teacher, substitute teacher, choir director, home maker and volunteer.  She and her husband were 40+year members of the Ft. Collins Golf & Country Club.  Realizing early on “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” she learned to play golf and loved it, playing in the ladies leagues for many years.

Georgia was a devoted wife, mother and YiaYia (grandmother) and enjoyed caring for her family in many ways.  She was a great cook and was known for her pies and Greek pastries which she shared with friends and neighbors, especially at the holidays.  After Basil’s passing in 2006 she moved to Dubuque and lived with her son and daughter-in-law, Peter and Ginger Sakas.  While in Dubuque she made new friends, volunteered at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, and spent time at Cozy Corner Adult Daycare where she made a best friend in Arlene. Lastly, she made Luther Manor her home where she enjoyed the music entertainment, activities and friendly staff.  She was fortunate to have a sweet roommate Diane, who became a special friend.

She will forever be remembered for her beautiful smile, humor and love of people. No one ever left her presence without a big warm hug.

Georgia is survived by her daughter Lisa Wolkin (Doug) of Parker, Colorado and her son Dr. Peter Sakas (Ginger) of Dubuque.  Her grandchildren, Sydnee Sakas and Elly Ahr (Artie) of Dubuque, Avery Hadzi (Jean), Michael Sakas, Ben Sakas and Zane Wolkin all of Colorado.  Two great grandsons Arthur and Wilder Ahr of Dubuque.  She is also survived by her sisters-in-law Nora Retsinas of Tucson, Arizona and Elsie Sigalos of Chicago, Illinois and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Basil, her parents and parents-in-law, her siblings and brothers and sisters-in-law. 

The family would like to thank the entire staff at Luther Manor for their care and friendship to Georgia.  She loved you all and enjoyed her time with you.  The family would like to also thank Hospice of Dubuque for their compassion and guidance.

To honor Georgia’s life, a private family service will be held later this year.  She will be buried in the Guttenberg City Cemetery.

4 comments on “Georgia P. Sakas
  1. Wendell Frey says:

    To Lisa and the entire Sakas Family: so sorry to see of your mother’s passing. May she rest in peace.

  2. Paul Eckhoff says:

    Kammi and I were saddened to read of the passing of your mother. In reading her fascinating obituary we can see the wonderful qualities that you got from her. May God bless you with strength and fond memories during this difficult time.

  3. Susan Johnston says:

    She was very special and I adored her and Basil. Two people that hold a special place in my heart. My deepest condolences Lisa,and Peter and all her wonderful grandchildren. They were such a unique and loving couple. I am sure they are so happy to be with one another again. I think of them every time I pass the house. Prayers and hugs!

    Sue Johnston – Assistant to Bail Sakas (of charting while he was doing his “farm calls”) at Boettcher and Company!

  4. Caroline McCluskey says:

    Dear Pete and Lisa, we were saddened to get this news. As you know we were next door neighbors for over 30 years. We treasured our friendship and have missed her.
    Caroline and Pat McCluskey

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