In Memory of . . . Georgette I Wonders (1952-2014)

Georgette Wonders Photo

The Rev. Georgette Irene Wonders died on April 11, 2014 at the age of 61.  Georgette was born on July 23, 1952, to Samuel and Joyce (Sturtevant) Wonders. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from San Jose State University in 1977, and went on to attain a Master of Divinity from the Seattle University School of Theology and Ministry in 2001.

Rev. Wonders was ordained to the Unitarian Universalist ministry on October 13, 2002, by the Bradford Community Church Unitarian Universalist, of Kenosha, WI. She was called to the Bradford Community Church Unitarian Universalist in August, 2002, and served there until her death.

Georgette joined the Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association in 2002, and served as Good Officer for the Central Midwest Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association from 2005 to 2014. She served as a member of the Kenosha County Clergy Association, and as co-president of Congregations United to Serve Humanity (CUSH) from 2005 to 2007.

Georgette enjoyed knitting, gardening, reading, baking, and quilting. A former elementary school teacher, she loved children and relished the time she spent with her great nieces and nephews. She recently announced her decision to retire from the ministry, and her post retirement plans included traveling, toy making, and spending time with her wife.

Georgette’s wife, Hope, lovingly remembers meeting Georgette and knowing that she “had a passion that had been building her whole life to really make a difference as a minister.” Hope remembers Georgette’s commitment to social justice and social action, her engaging presence, and ability to “look at the larger picture while holding the smaller pieces.”

She is survived by wife, Hope Engeseth; son, Andrew Wonders; parents, Sam and Joyce Wonders; sisters, Heather Keefer, Autumn (Simon Szeghy) Wonders and Naomi (Randy Groskinsky) Wonders; father-in-law, Lyle Bloom; brother-in-law, Leslie (Wendy) Bloom; and sister-in-law, Faith Wamuthu. Georgette is also survived by 15 nieces and nephews and 10 great nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bradford Community Church Unitarian Universalist, 5810 8th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53140; Congregations United to Serve Humanity (C.U.S.H.), 6050 8th Avenue Kenosha, WI  53143; or the Shalom Center of the Interfaith Network, 1713 62nd Street, Kenosha, WI 53143.

Notes of condolences may be sent in care of Hope Engeseth, 5608 35th Avenue, Kenosha, WI 53144.

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