Georgia Lee (Bucknell) Hespen
November 8, 1937 - January 17, 2023

Georgia Lee Hespen passed away, at St. Joseph Hospital, in Eureka with her family by her side at the age of 85. She was born in Upper Lake, California to George and Royce (Lightfoot) Bucknell. As a baby, her family moved to Larabee near the small school house. Then moved to a ranch, where they had a myriad of animals. She enjoyed working side by side with her father on the ranch. Georgia attended Fortuna High School.

Georgia met the love of her life, Walter Hespen in Alderpoint at her sister, Barbara’s home. They were married in 1954 and began their life in Alderpoint. They had three children, Jackie Lee (b. 1954), Connie June (b. 1955-d.1955), and Delores Diane (b.1957-d. 2019).

Georgia was always a huge part of her community. She belonged to the American Legion Hall, was on the board for the Alderpoint Water District, and always participated in community events. She also worked as a carrier for the United States Postal Service for many years until her transition to an assistant Postmaster. After her retirement from the Post Office, Georgia spent her retirement years supporting her children and grandchildren.

She enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, playing games, and taking care of her family. Georgia’s years in Alderpoint gained her many friendships. They would go hunting and fishing together. They would also spend hours playing games including cribbage, yahtzee, dominoes. With friendships also came many shenanigans, including “borrowing” a kitten from outside the Brass Rail, in Redway, being chased by a bear while hunting, being a willing participant in wild hairstyles and color changes. Georgia’s home was always open to family and friends and would many times be the center for gatherings.

In June of 2020, Georgia moved to Fortuna to be closer to her family.

Georgia was preceded in death by her daughters Delores Heil and Connie June, her husband of 44 years, Walt, her sister’s Beverley, Barbara, and brother, Butch.

Georgia is survived by her son, Jack Hespen of Fortuna, her four granddaughters, Sabrina Young of Fortuna; Jamie Heil of Garberville; Tiffany Heil of Rohnert Park; Tabitha Cheadle of Norman, Oklahoma;, nine great-grandchildren, Annabell and Titus Young of Fortuna; Sean Akselsen of Garberville; Piper and Tanner Hernlund (Lance Hernlund) of Hidden Valley; Angel, Lily and Alexis of Norman, Oklahoma; her sister, Pattie Johnson of Fortuna; numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and many friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held March 25, 2023 at 2 p.m. at The Monday Club, 610 Main Street, Fortuna. Guests are encouraged to bring a potluck item and share memories of Georgia.