January 24, 1933 – August 31, 2026
Georgina Mc Lean passed away peacefully at her home in Hogarth Riverview Manor on Monday, August 31, 2026, surrounded by her family.
Born in Strabane, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland on January 24, 1933, she was the youngest of six daughters to William and Elizabeth Gillen. Georgina was the last of the Gillen sisters to leave us.
At just 17 years old, Georgina moved to Canada with her mother. They first settled in Oshawa, Ontario before relocating to Fort William-now Thunder Bay-where she met our Dad, Donald Mc Lean, at a dance at the CLE grounds. They clicked instantly and danced together all night long. They tied the knot on December 22, 1956 at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Thunder Bay.
Together they raised three daughters and led a joyful life. Georgina worked as an RPN at Mc Kellar Hospital before transitioning into geriatric care at Grandview Lodge. This work brought her great joy as she loved connecting with older adults and enhancing their lives.
Georgina is survived by her daughters Diana (Wayne) Sustawenko and Linda (Michael) Harris; her son-in-law Salvatore Marasco; along with her grandchildren Ryan (Jessica) Sustawenko, Shannon Sustawenko-Lee (Christopher), Meghan Sustawenko (Stephen Lalonde), Ashley (Lenny) Bougie, Trevor (Sarah) Harris, and Matthew Marasco. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who were very dear to her.
The greatest joys of her life were her great-grandchildren: Scarlett Sustawenko-Mader, Nathan and Joshua Lee, Mason Sustawenko and Avarose and Declan Harris. She adored them all and loved keeping up with everything they did.
A lifelong hockey fan and devoted Toronto Maple Leafs supporter, Georgina cherished attending hockey games for grandsons Ryan & Matthew while they grew up. Together with Dad they never missed any of Ryan’s out-of-town tournaments. Watching great-grandsons Nathan & Joshua play hockey filled her with happiness as that tradition continued on. She was especially proud of Nathan when he decided to become a goaltender.
She was predeceased by her parents; her loving husband Don in 2006; daughter Michelle Marasco in 2015; along with sisters Chris, Pat, Evelyn, Edith, and Mary.
A longtime member of St. Thomas Anglican Church , Georgina regularly attended services until health issues made it challenging for her to continue.
The only comfort we find in losing her is knowing that she’s now reunited with our Dad and sister. Being a determined Irish woman herself we’re sure Dad asked “What took you so long my Wild Irish Rose?”
In accordance with Georgina’s wishes there will be no funeral service held. A private family interment will take place at Mountain View Cemetery. Arrangements have been made through WESTFORT CHAPEL located at 420 West Gore Street at James.
We extend special thanks to the caregivers on 7 South Violet-especially Shania and Otis-for ensuring that Georgina’s final day was as comfortable as possible for both her and us. We truly appreciate their kindness during this time.
If you’d like to honor Georgina’s memory please consider making donations to TBRHSF Cancer Care , Canadian Diabetes Association , or St. Thomas Anglican Church.
Rest in peace Mom-we know you’re up there dancing your hearts out again with Dad!
We’ll always love you and miss you!
– Diana , Linda , and your family
Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay. com
