Georgette Lamar

Georgette Lamar (née Santamaria) passed away peacefully on the morning of December 4th, 2023 surrounded by loved ones in her home in Belle Plaine, Kansas at the age of 81. Georgette was born on May 6th, 1942 to Joseph and Marceline Santamaria (née Pappalardo) in Rabat, Morocco. She was the youngest of five children: Joseph, Henri, Joneau, Chris, Theresa, and Georgette. Her family moved to Morocco from southern France to seek shelter from World War Two. Georgette spent her formative years between Morocco and her family's historic home of Moirans, near Grenoble, France, during which time she learned to speak five languages: French, Arabic, Italian, Spanish, and later English. Georgette loved the vibrant culture of Morocco and to talk with family about the natural beauty of her native country. Georgette met Derald Lamar, of Coffeyville, KS, in the 1950s when he was stationed in Morocco, serving overseas in the United States Air Force. After a humorous introduction to Georgette's family when Derald caught her brothers siphoning fuel from his motorcycle, Georgette's sisters introduced her to Derald and the couple quickly fell head-over-heels in love. Georgette married Derald in 1957 while in Rabat and departed for her new life in the United States with their newborn son on Independence Day - July 4th, 1958.

Georgette touched the lives of many during her decades of service as a loving foster parent while also raising her and Derald's four children. Georgette truly was a "giver" in every sense of the word and considered it a joy to give and care for others. Her expanded family ensured that her home was always bustling with activity as she lovingly prepared meals that brought together Moroccan, French, and American cuisines. Georgette later continued to give back to the community while working for the school district in Belle Plaine. Never one to miss an opportunity to welcome others into her family, Georgette introduced one of her colleagues at the school district, Hank Sturgeon, to her granddaughter, Melanie, and the pair have been happily married for eleven years. Despite the distance, Georgette loved staying in touch with her sisters, who eventually also moved to other parts of the United States, and her brothers in France and Morocco. One could always tell when Georgette was on a phone call with one of her siblings by her rapid French speaking and the smile on her face. Particularly after the loss of her beloved Derald in 2004, Georgette was the matriarch of a close-knit family who will continue to be inspired by her examples of compassion and generosity, long after her passing.

Georgette was preceded in death by her husband, Derald Lamar, and her parents, Joseph and Marceline Santamaria. Georgette was also preceded in death by her brothers, Joseph Santamaria and Henri Santamaria.

Georgette leaves behind her children Ronald (Pamela) Lamar, Rebecca Lamar, Brenda (Kelly) Gerard, and Jeramy (Tammy) Lamar. She also leaves behind her grandchildren: Gene Gerard, Ryan (Kylee) Lamar, Audrey (Jon) Moysen, Melanie (Hank) Sturgeon, Josie Gerard; and her great-grandchildren: Alexander Lamar, Anabella Lamar, Savannah Sturgeon, Cheyenne Sturgeon, and Evelyn Moysen. Georgette is also survived by her sisters, Chris Allen and Theresa Anderson, and brother Joneau.

Visitation: Thursday, December 7th, 2023 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Smith Family Mortuary at 1415 North Rock Road, Derby, KS 67037.

Funeral Service: Friday, December 8th, 2023 at Smith Family Mortuary at 1415 North Rock Road, Derby, KS 67037. Interment to follow at White Chapel Memorial Gardens at 1806 Oliver Avenue, Wichita, KS.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cancer Center of Kansas.