George E. Stansberry

Through the life of George Stansberry we are reminded that there is little value found in the accumulation of wealth or possessions, but that it is through sharing life and love with those we hold dear that we are richly blessed. He was diligent and hardworking with his own creative flair, bringing joy to so many others through his work. Throughout his life George carried himself with honor, integrity, and compassion, providing all who knew him with much to aspire for. Life will never be the same without him here, but the legacy George leaves behind will be proudly carried on by those who follow him. The decade known as the Roaring Twenties was predominantly a time of great prosperity with innovation fueling times of immense change that transformed the way we lived our daily lives. We took amazing strides in the world of flight thanks to Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart, celebrated the peak of Broadway, and witnessed legends like Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth command baseball fields all across our land. It was January 24, 1922 that a young couple from Rockford, Illinois, was overjoyed with the birth of their son, George. He was raised in Niagara Falls, Canada, by his parents, Jacob E. and Ellen (Anderson) Stansberry, alongside his older sister Ruth. Georges father owned and operated a hair salon while his mother was a busy homemaker. After graduating from local schools, George went on to Niagara Falls School of Horticulture, receiving his bachelors degree in horticulture. As a young man he also served in the Royal Canadian Army from 1942 through much of 1945 during the days of WWII. While in the service George did a tour in both Belgium and Holland. A true patriot, George also spent 27 years with the United States Army Reserves. With his education behind him, George spent 25 years with Central Michigan University where he worked as Superintendent for Grounds. Life was forever changed for George when he met the young girl with whom he would write a love story that would span more than 65 years. Her name was Lorraine C. Pigeon, and they met at McKenzie Lake in Ontario where Lorraine lived and George spent several summers. After dating for a time, the couple found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to build a life together George and Lorraine were married on Christmas, December 25, 1943, at St. Sabina Church in Sabine, Ontario. Together they were blessed with five children, Penelope, James, Peter, Robert, and Mark. As a father George was a gentle soul who never had an unkind word to say about anyone. Later in life George was delighted to watch his family tree blossom to include grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. It comes as no surprise that these younger generations also deeply loved and adored him. Through the years George enriched his life in so many ways. He was a member of Sacred Heart Parish where he belonged to the choir, and he was also a lifetime member of the VFW where he was actively involved, serving as the commander from 1968 through 1970. George enjoyed traveling in a camper-trailer with his family out to the West Coast. As a nature lover he liked camping, with Hartwick Pines being one of his favorite places. During their retirement years George and Lorraine left the cold Michigan winters behind and spent these cold months in Arizona. Throughout his life he was a devoted Central Michigan University football fan who went to numerous games both home and away. George also loved the Detroit Tigers. He had a special place in his heart for animals and a keen appreciation for birds and dogs. Dachshunds were his favorite breed, and he also enjoyed keeping busy with crossword puzzles, watching Jeopardy, and savoring some of his favorite foods - ice cream, gingersnaps, and lemon meringue pie. A true gardener at heart, he tended to the roses at his church, and he also gardened at the assisted living center where he lived during his sunset years. With so much love to give those around him, George Stansberry was a genuine blessing in the lives of so many within his reach. He was easy going and patient with a laid back personality that drew others to him with ease. George could always see the best in everyone and never had an unkind word to say about others. He could make us laugh with his dry sense of humor and quick wit, yet he was always a true gentleman as well. George will be dearly missed while his memory is forever cherished. George Stansberry of Mt. Pleasant died on Monday, January 7, 2013, at Prestige Centre in Mt. Pleasant. George is survived by four children, Penelope (Dante) Vannelli of Oxford, Peter (Sheila) Stansberry of North Olmsted, OH, Robert (Ruth) Stansberry of the Philippines, and Mark (Sue) Stansberry of Mt. Pleasant; 13 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. George was preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine, in 2009; son, James, in 2000; sister, Ruth Tuttle; and half-brother, Bob Anderson. A Funeral Mass for George will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, January 10, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Thomas Held presiding. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home on Wednesday from 3-7 p.m. Visitation continues at the church on Thursday one hour prior to the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Woodland Hospice or Sacred Heart Academy Foundation. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home or church. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or sign the online guestbook.