Georgene Spiker October 11, 1937 – December 28, 2022. Georgene was born in Cleveland Ohio, where her favorite memories of her youth were at her aunt and uncle’s farm, spending time with her cousin and constant childhood companion, Mercedes. She would tell stories of climbing the crabapple tree with Mer and eating so many apples that she’d get sick. Or dressing up the cats in baby doll clothes. It’s a time that she escaped to frequently as she got older.
She moved to Orlando, Florida as a young teen where she lived with relatives, Aunt Sandy and Uncle Barney, and attended Bishop Moore Catholic High School, when it was first built – class of 1956. It was Orlando where she met her soon-to-be husband, Thomas Spiker, at a Halloween parade in downtown. He took her to prom and they were married after she finished school.
Now newlyweds, they moved to the Miami area to start their life together but were soon parted when Tom was stationed at the air force base in Iceland, so Georgene moved back in with family to pass the time. When Tom returned, they moved to Pocatello, Idaho where they became parents to my brother, Jim. Moving back to Orlando, they grew their family and their daughter, Jane (me) joined the storyline.
Though always a struggle to make ends meet, Georgene and Tom made it work the best they could. After 30 years of marriage, Georgene lost Tom and had to find a new life as a widow. She entered the work force and again, made it work to the best of her ability. Eventually, she moved in with her childhood buddy and cousin, Mercedes, and enjoyed family life. When her daughter had children of her own, she decided that it was time to move in with Jane, her husband John, and her grandson, Cristian.
Living with my mom in the house was not only a helpful blessing, but an absolute joy. She was my constant companion. We did everything together and my friends were her friends as well. She was my husband’s basketball buddy, and they regularly attended nearly every Orlando Magic game together. She was there to witness the birth of both of my children, watch their first steps, and share in the joy of living life together.
Life as a grandma was busy, and my mom relished the fact that she was an integral part of the family. I like to think that the business of helping to manage a family gave her a fulfilling purpose. She made sure that Cristian got to soccer practice and never missed one of his games. She drove Claire to dance practice and never missed a recital or competition. Other interests included reading (literally thousands of books!) watching her favorite old movies and tv shows, going for long drives, and eating chocolate. She had a serious sweet tooth. Though never much of a drinker in her early life, she humored me and sampled every one of the classic cocktail recipes I wanted to try on her. She found her favorite cocktail, the buttery nipple.
When I was younger, I thought my mother was like every other mother. She thought that I was perfect, that I was beautiful, and that I could do anything. It wasn’t until later that I realized she wasn’t like other mothers. She was one of a kind. She was supportive, accepting, non-judgmental, and open-minded. Never critical, she was careful to not interfere with marital or parenting advice unless asked. Though she admitted that school was tough as a child, she had a very high emotional intelligence. She could read people and had an incredible amount of empathy towards others. She was kind, generous, and always put others before herself.
She never wanted to be a bother to anyone. Mother, you were never a bother. I am so grateful that I got to spend so much of my life with you. I am grateful for the time we shared, in our home, and after when you were in the nursing home. I’m grateful for every minute.
Georgene is survived by her children Jim and Jane, her grandchildren Isabella, Cristian, and Claire, her great-grandson Sebastian, her cousin, nieces and nephews, her in-laws and many family friends.
Catholic Funeral Mass will be held January 7, 2022 at 11:00 AM (ET). At the St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church. 861 Maitland Avenue. Altamonte Springs, FL 32701.