Georgia was called to her eternal rest when she passed away on March 19, 2025, at the age of 88. Her late mother, Hazel, once told her she was born in a stucco house on North Park Street. She was the youngest of four girls, with a younger brother. She attended Central School, Fairmont Junior High, and she was a member of the class of 1954 at Fairmont Senior High School. She was a cheerleader and on the tumbling team. She also worked part-time at the concession counter at the Lake Theater.

Georgia has a rich family heritage in Fairmont. Her grandfather, A.G. Crooker, owned and operated a jewelry store in Fairmont in 1899, and worked there until he sold it to Walt Sovell in 1953. Mr. Crooker is featured in Lenny Tvedten’s book “Tales of Martin County’s Past”.

She married Ronald Jaqua in 1953 and moved to Glendale, Calif. They lived there for six years, three children were born, then the family moved back to Fairmont. They were later divorced. Georgia was offered the job as secretary at the First Congregational UCC and worked there for 11 years. She then started working for the State of Minnesota Job Service. She worked there for 26 years as an Unemployment Specialist and Dislocated Worker Supervisor, performing her job with dedication and professionalism. She retired in 2001.

Georgia enjoyed reading, seeing friends and family, fishing trips to Canada, visits to casinos, plus watching the Minnesota Gopher football and basketball games, as well as the Vikings. Georgia was an avid golfer and was three times Club Champion at Rose Lake Golf Club. She was thrilled when she shot a hole-in-one at Interlaken Golf Club in 1987.

In 1990, she married Richard Malo and they lived on his farm where she came to enjoy country living. After Richard passed away in 2010, Georgia moved to a condo at The Meadows in Fairmont. In 2006, she was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease which limited her activities. She lived at The Meadows until her death.

Georgia was preceded in death by her parents, Hazel Johnson and John Crooker; stepfather Boyd Johnson; daughter Laura Jaqua; ex-husband Ron Jaqua; husband Richard Malo; and sister Jean Sahr. She is survived by children Jay and Susan; grandchildren Tara and Cole (Ashley); great-grandchildren Garrison, Madison, Kyler, and Kadin; great-great-grandchildren Jordan, Alan, and Aiden; sisters Joyce Rose and Geri Fordice; brother John Crooker.

The family wishes to thank the following people at Mayo Health System; the wonderful staff at the Lutz Infusion Center, Dr. Tim Sheneman, Susan Haugh, Emergency Department, and Dave and Riley, the valets, for their loving care of Georgia. We also want to acknowledge the great care from Dr. David Walk at the University of Minnesota. Many thanks to caregiver Pam Kain, Baywood Home Health, and the kind community at The Meadows.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Red Cross, First Congregational UCC, Heaven’s Table Food Shelf, or just be extra kind to others today.

www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net.

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