Georgia Couston

Georgia Couston
Beloved wife of George Couston; Devoted mother of Thomas (Kathy) Couston and Vicki (Joseph) Couston Prieto; Loving daughter of the late Theodore and Efrosine Mastrogiannis; Dear sister of Paraskevi, and the late Chrysoula, Anastasia, Thimi and Constantine; Dear Yia Yia of Kristen and Georgina Prieto, George and Paul (Josie) Couston; Fond aunt of Zoey Paul, Regina (Carl) Blankenhorn, Tom Couston, Jimmy (Elise) Couston, Diane (Nick) Couston Vasti, Athan (Michelle) Bovis, Betty (Jack) Baity, Frosine (Andrew) Stockwell, Marcia and Marcello Mastrogiannis and Lefteris (Christina) Kritikos. This morning, my beautiful, smart, strong-willed, sassy Yiayia peacefully left us in the comfort of her home. She was surrounded with endless love from her husband, sister, daughter, son, cousins, grandchildren and wonderful caregivers in her final moments… To say that we will miss her is truly an understatement. Georgia Couston was originally from a small, rural town in Greece named Lidoriki; my grandfather, George, is also from there. In his twenties, George was courageous enough to venture to the States in hopes of a better life. Shortly after, he wrote to my grandmother and had asked her to move to the States and marry him; she happily obliged. Their love for each other has been something to admire with an impressive 69 years of blissful marriage. Georgia would have been 95 in two weeks, and George is 100 years old with his 101st birthday approaching this summer. Growing up, my parents worked long hours in Chicago. My sister and I spent a majority of our childhood with my grandparents, along with our cousins George, Paul, Alex, Chris, and Dena. I didn’t know it then, but the memories we made in that home are the ones I will cherish more than words could ever say. My grandparents’ love for others was unconditional and contagious; even during my father’s father passing years ago, the support my Yiayia gave my father at that time was immeasurable. She loved everyone with her whole heart. My mother, Vicki, has dedicated the last 10 years of her life caring for my grandparents. I am confident in saying that Vicki’s determination to keep them in their home during their final years with help from devoted caregivers (who are now family) is the reason as to why they have both thrived this long. I can only hope that I am half the daughter my mom is when the time comes for me to care for my parents. My heart is absolutely broken. I will miss you forever, Yiayia. I knew you were suffering, and selfishly, I wasn’t ready; I will never, ever be ready, despite everything emergency medicine has taught me. I will always want more time. Hug grandpa Prieto tight for me. Tell him that I miss him just as much as I’m going to miss you. I promise that we will take extraordinary care of your husband and your sister. I love you endlessly. I have never been more proud than I am today to be named after such an amazing woman in my life. If anyone has a memory they’d like to share about Georgia, please do. My family would love to read them. Rest easy, my spicy lady.