Georgi Ann Harden

Georgi Ann Harden, the first child of Rob and Franny Harden was born in the mountains of Gunnison Colorado on December 1, 1977. Strong and independent yet diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes at age five – a life changing diagnosis for ordinary people at the time. Luckily, Georgi was far from ordinary. For those of us lucky enough to know her you won’t be surprised that she learned and insisted on giving her own shots immediately. We know she wanted to give herself shots, for the independence it gave her, but also because it took the burden off her mom and dad of having to inject their young daughter.

That is how Georgi lived her entire life, her way, but always for others. Once she was determined to do something, she did it. And it USUALLY ended up being incredible.

Moving our family from Gunnison to Ft. Gibson, Oklahoma, her impact was ever lasting. Her young friends knew her kindness at church, in sports soccer, softball, and swimming. Even as a kid she gave of herself, putting others before her. In 7th grade it broke our Oklahoma friends’ heart when the family moved to Junction City, Oregon, where she was an inspiration throughout Middle and High School. She created ripples of positivity, even winning the State Championship in High School tennis.
With an undergraduate degree from Western Oregon University and a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Northwest Christian University, she affected the lives of thousands of kids through her work at the Boys and Girls Clubs, in California for 18 years. Georgi was like a rock in the lives for many youth and staff. She was admired for her smile and became a hero in their book of life, with a force for them to “just do it right”. One of Georgi’s closest coworkers and boss said it best to Georgi directly before she passed. “I want you to know that you are loved by many people including myself. The kids’ lives that you impacted makes you a hero in my book. No work more important than the ripples of positivity that you instilled in their lives as you helped build a better world around us. Your dedication to youth is God’s work. It saddens me that you got so sick so young, but the good Lord must want you there with him in Heaven. I want you to know how much your peers and others in the BGCA admire you and the great work you did. I admire you and saw it every day in your staff and kids love for you. It was truly an honor working with you Ms. Georgi Harden. We all love you and admire the special person that you are. God Bless you Dear Georgi.”

When you thought the story of Georgi’s life had been serving kids through the Boys and Girls Club, she added another chapter. She became a single foster mom and adopted Clayton at age 9 as her daughter. Unfortunately, G and C’s, as they were lovingly called by their family, time together got cut short.

Georgi passed away May 22, 2021, surrounded by her sister, Indi Bates, her brother, Ty Harden, her mother, Franny and father, Rob Harden along with many beloved family members present as she listened to our family stories.

Her smile will continue to spread her kindness through the Georgi Ann Harden Foundation. Georgi will spread her kindness as a motivator, mentor, and friend to foster kids and kids with disabilities in need, continuing to do God’s work through her dedication to youth, leaving a lasting imprint on each person she helps.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Georgi Ann Harden foundation.