Dr. Georgette Eberling Samuelson passed away at St. Joseph Medical Center on Saturday April 15, 2023. She was born July 27, 1948, to Alfred and Beatrice Eberling in Staten Island, New York. She knew she wanted to be a veterinarian at an early age and would go to the Staten Island Zoo where she met and was encouraged by their female veterinarian. That encouraged her to believe in the power of women to accomplish anything. In line with this strong spirit, she decided to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine at a time when it was a male dominated field. She graduated with her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1973 from Michigan State University as one of only a handful of women in the class.
Realizing she wanted a quieter life than NYC offered, her first job brought her south to Indiana where she continued to keep herself busy and active dabbling in cooking classes, ceramics, and even working extra hours as an EMT. In 1977 she met the love of her life, Allen Samuelson, in true movie fashion- on a blind date. They were married on July 8, 1979. Following the traditional timeline of boy meets girl, boy marries girl, children soon followed. Some where in the midst of starting to grow her family she was presented with the opportunity to become the owner of her own practice, and in true Georgette fashion she was happy to become a new business owner while having a gang of toddlers at home.
Her business and family both flourished throughout the decades, and she continued to work in the career she loved all the way to the end. Highlights that she loved throughout the years included working with Hoots to Howls Wildlife Rehab, tackling cases that others would have called a lost cause, and caring for all animals large and small.
While being a veterinarian was one of her proudest accolades, she was always there for her family who will miss her deeply. She also served on the Marshall County Board of health for decades even though she liked her steaks still quivering on a plate and she thought beef tartar was the perfect appetizer. Georgette’s other interests included music – playing in a folk group in the sixties to learning to play the harp, performing for local events in the Culver area. Her family will remember her for her pure stubbornness, never shying away from telling it how it is, always being there when needed, and all the love, smiles, and laughs that she brought to our lives.
She is survived by her husband Allen Samuelson; children: Danielle Samuelson; Mark (Emily) Samuelson; Jami Samuelson (Warren Fuller); and Joel Samuelson; her sisters: Jane Eberling; and Suzanne Martin (Max) Martin; grandchildren: Maranda; Xander; Rhys; and Finnick; and her two spunky pups, Sherlock, and Watson.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Beatrice Eberling, and her brother, Alexander Eberling.
Her love for her family, her work, and her community will be remembered for decades to come.
Just 10 more minutes- if you know you know.
Instead of a traditional funeral that she would have hated, the family will host an informal celebration of life on Thursday April 20th, 2023, at the Culver Lion’s Club Depot. Her family invites you to join them in celebration from 2-5 pm for storytelling, picture sharing, and togetherness. An informal service will follow from 5-6 pm for those who would like to attend.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Hoots to Howls Wildlife Rehab Inc, 5046 S 400 E, Star City 46985 (donations can also be made through PayPal).
Thank you to all our friends and community for your support during this difficult time.
Deaton-Clemens Van Gilder Funeral Home is honored to be providing services in celebrating the life of Georgette and wishes to express our deepest condolences to the family.
