Obituary of Georgia Tzaferos

Georgia Tzaferos peacefully passed away on December 30, 2018. She is survived by her daughter Gigi, son, Christopher, daughter-in-law Lisa, granddaughter Krista, brother James, sister-in-law Gerre, nephew Damon, his wife Erin, brother-in-law Christos, sister-in-law Maria, niece Julie, nephew Kosta and future bride Maria. She is preceded in death by her husband, George and sister Effie. Georgia was born in New York to parents who proudly immigrated to the US from Kionion, Ithaca, Greece. Together with her siblings, Georgia often spoke of beautiful memories of a happy childhood filled with laughter, deep love, generosity and kindness to others in need. Georgia's parents raised their NY-born children to be proud of their Greek heritage and traditions and also to create new ones as Americans. Georgia was so proud to be an American, that she always cried when hearing our National Anthem. After school, Georgia went to work on Wall Street where she had a knack for finance. Later in life, she developed a talent for real estate. She was independent, bold and curious. World news or entertainment gossip - she knew it all! She travelled in Europe extensively and during one trip with her sister, Effie, was introduced to a handsome Captain, named George Tzaferos. Soon afterwards they became engaged and George was involved in a serious boating accident. She lovingly stood by him until his recovery, after which they married and lived in Greece, Monte Carlo and ultimately settled in New York where they raised their family. They retired in La Jolla, California, which reminded them of Greece. Georgia was a devoted daughter, sister, loyal friend and most importantly a Mother who loved unconditionally. She lived for her children's happiness and was the hockey, softball and shopping mom. She was there every afternoon when we got home from school, helped with homework and made real hot cocoa and cookies after a snow fall. She wiped away our tears, gave us strength and always make us laugh. George and Georgia's home was the fun house; friends would gather for, homemade meals, snacks and desserts. She was an excellent cook and like every Greek household, had a bucket of feta in the refrigerator at all times. Sometimes two, as she and George would debate, and then compete against each other to prove which was the best brine. Throughout her life, Georgia had the sharpest wit. She saw humor in the smallest things and always told the truth, the latter would often become a "classic Georgia story" and there were many! She bravely tackled health challenges head-on and beat the odds to spend more time with her family. In the summer, her doctor marveled at her recovery from an illness in March 2017, to which she replied, "only with a gun [can you kill me]". She was fearless and funny! She was, and will forever be, silly, playful and young in our hearts. She was never interested in settling into a retirement community because she always wanted to hear "the sound of youth" ...children laughing and playing. She was thrilled to learn of the many babies our family will be blessed with in 2019. In turn, they will enter the world with a special Angel watching over them. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, January 8, 2019 11:00 AM in the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 7004 Ridge Ave., Egg Harbor Township, NJ. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery, Hammonton. Arrangements are by the Carnesale Funeral Home, Hammonton.