Georgia Cortez Lickness

With deep love and sadness, we announce the passing of Georgia, age 75, who died peacefully on May 31, 2026, surrounded by her family. Georgia lived a life marked by kindness, quiet strength, and a generous spirit that touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Georgia was born on October 23, 1950, in St. Paul, Minnesota. She grew up on the East Side of St. Paul and attended Johnson High School. She worked at 3M for 18 years, where she began finding quiet ways to share her Native American heritage and uplift those around her. With the support of her sisters and brothers in the Native American community, along with her education and life experiences, she found her calling. She spent much of her life teaching and advocating for Native American culture and issues. She was a proud member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe.

Georgia was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Theodore; her children, Glenn (Janis) and Michelle; her grandchild, Theodore Robert; and her sister, Donna May Clark. She was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel Cortez and Cordelia Coleman; her foster parents, William and Ethel Clark; and her brothers, Leo, Douglas, Sonny, and Grant.

Those who knew Georgia will remember her smile, her laugh, her compassion, and her devotion to Native American children. She moved through the world with humility, often working behind the scenes without seeking recognition, yet leaving a lasting impact wherever she went. She made ordinary moments feel special and had a gift for making people feel seen and loved. Her family takes comfort in knowing that her love will continue to guide them and others every day.

A celebration of life will be held on July 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Carpenter Nature Center, 12805 Saint Croix Trail South, Hastings, MN. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Indian Family Center.