Georgiann Young

Georgiann Young, Eldest daughter of Gus and Fran Alex, passed from this life peacefully with daughter, Tracy, and son-in-law, Mark Stebbe, at her side on the evening of the Winter’s Solstice, December 21, 2025 at Lake Meadows Assisted Living in Fishers, Indiana. Family and friends who sat in vigil with her, whether physically present, or with her in spirit during her last weeks, know full well the meaning of ‘in God’s time’ as Georgiann faded ever so gradually from this life. Bolstered by the Greek blood of which she was so proud, this Chicago-born and raised lady proved to be made of strong stuff indeed. She rested, blessedly in comfort, many days past the time when the ability to take sustenance and engage with others were no longer possible. Though still able to gently squeeze an offered hand, she began her transition, almost imperceptibly yet undeniably, as her breaths were measured and monitored for signs of “Will today be the day? Is there something she is waiting for?” Perhaps, she was waiting for us to slow down and take in the profound moment being offered to us. Across the millennia and countless cultures, Christianity included, the Winter’s Solstice is considered a sacred time of deepest reflection. The longest night of the year, the great darkness before the gradual return of light, is literally a turning point, offering us an opportunity for deep reflection and asking ourselves the most honest questions as we wait for the light to guide us to the answers. That Georgiann should pass on such a day was the perfect ending as she modeled for each of us how to leave this world with grace and love, complete and at peace. We honor the woman that Georgiann was as we reflect on her life. As complex a human as any of us, she could be the most charming, maddening, inspirational, stubborn, funny, frustrating, playfully teasing, petulant, and undeniably endearing woman, often on the very same day. For a person confined to a wheelchair for 20 years, having had a stroke just as she was turning 64, the loss of her physical freedom did not lead to a constriction of her spirit. She always said that we are in this life for our souls to gain grace and never ceased to marvel at how, even from a nursing home bed and later in assisted living, she was able to touch lives in meaningful ways, no matter how small the sphere of her life appeared to be to the casual observer. As for her human complexities and paradoxical nature, she came to embrace them. As each of us could surely own, if we were brave and honest enough to do so, not every chapter of life finds us at our best. We have blind spots. We sometimes make choices that have ripples we had not fully considered. We take wrong turns. Sometimes we get stuck in patterns we have a hard time evolving out of. And yet, if we keep coming back to our moral center, and what it is that we wish to stand for in life, we do find our way to grace, love and forgiveness, bit by bit, squeezed hand by squeezed hand. When Georgiann entered into the loving care of her hospice team and staff at Lake Meadows, a beautiful procession of love and connection began to unfold. Calls were made, visits arranged, songs were sung to her over the phone, and she sang some in return. Final calls were made, jokes left on voicemails, goodbye messages were even sent to her closest Facebook friends. That Georgiann was able to leave this life complete and at peace was undeniable. She relished the farewells and love that was shared with each person in turn and said that she hopes for each of us that our passing is as beautiful and complete as hers was. We truly should be so blessed that this would be so. And so it came to be, that as the Winter’s Solstice was edging ever closer to the return of the light we all year for, Tracy’s husband Mark, called her as he sat vigil and let her know the time was near. Minutes later, Tracy entered the room and as soon as she said, “Hi, Mom”, Georgiann drew one final breath and peacefully passed from this life. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the Stebbe family, who sat in vigil with Georgiann around the clock in her final days. Their graciousness, faithfulness, and compassion touched many hearts and provided more comfort than they may know. Georgiann is survived by her children, Laura (Scott Johnson) Young, Tracy (Mark) Stebbe, and their children Jacob (Katelyn) and Hannah, Jason (Kan) Young, and their children, Corinne and Nathan, and Jennifer Young. She leaves behind in love her sister, Constance “Connie” (Cliff) Nutto; brothers, Joe (Cathy) Alex and Jim (Phyllis) Alex as well as the beloved Paukovitz cousins who have always been dear to her heart.

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Georgiann Young

November 18, 1941 - December 21, 2025