City of Goodyear issued the following announcement on Jan. 21.
Mayor Georgia Lord’s celebration of life ceremony was a tremendous reflection of the many lives she touched. Hundreds attended to say a final farewell and to share their fond memories of the mayor, who was a friend to all. Attendees wore yellow ribbons, the mayor’s favorite color, in her honor. Speakers included the Lord family, Gov. Doug Ducey, Goodyear Mayor Joe Pizzillo and members of the city council, Rep. Joanne Osborne, past and current mayors from cities across the Valley and other regional leaders.
“As we gather here , I’m struck by how many people Mayor Georgia Lord touched in her life – family members, elected officials, community leaders,” said Gov. Ducey. “She made an impact in every circle she was a part of and Arizona will not be the same without her.”
The celebration of life took place at Goodyear Civic Square, a spot that was very special to Mayor Lord. For decades, Mayor Lord had been part of an ongoing effort to create a true heart of the city through a city center project. The new library at Goodyear Civic Square, which opens this summer, will be named in the Mayor’s honor.
“She was passionate about education and a strong advocate for lifelong learning,” said Mayor Joe Pizzillo. “Literacy was especially important to her, and she was so excited about the opportunities that the library being built here at civic square would offer to generations of Goodyear residents. So, the council and I are proud to announce that we recently voted unanimously to dedicate this library in Georgia’s memory as a lasting legacy and testament to her tremendous contributions to our community.”
Mayor Lord’s family also announced two legacy projects, including a scholarship to Franklin Pierce University in her name. Mayor Lord was integral in bringing Franklin Pierce University to Goodyear and received an honorary Doctorate Degree from the university, in 2019. The family also announced the Georgia T. Lord Arts, Culture and Civic Engagement Awards. It will give residents an opportunity to showcase their artistic talents and creativity through various city projects.
“We are so grateful for the outpouring of love,” said Mayor Lord’s daughter Kim Stewart. “She cared deeply for this city and she loved working to make Goodyear everyone’s home and a home for generations to come. There will never be another Georgia T. Lord, but we know there are others in this community who could be that great next leader if given the right chance and that’s why our family has been working on legacy projects.”
Mayor Lord began her illustrious career in local government when she was elected to the Goodyear City Council in 2005. She became the city’s first female mayor in 2011 at the age of 73.
She was a powerful advocate for the city of Goodyear and loved being part of the military community. Her late husband, Col. Ronald Lord, retired from the U.S. Air Force after serving 30 years. As mayor, she was an active participant in the growth and success of Luke Air Force Base. She helped spearhead the Luke Forward Campaign, which successfully saw the launch of the F-35 training program. This program has had a tremendous economic impact for the West Valley. She most recently served on the Luke West Valley Council and West Valley Partners, identifying new ways for growth and expansion at Luke Air Force Base.
She received many accolades over the course of her political career, most recently receiving the Inspiration in Leadership Award at WESTMARC’s 29th Annual Best of the West Awards gala, in Oct. 2021.
Mayor Lord passed peacefully in her home with her family by her side on Dec. 12, 2021. She was 83.
Original source can be found here.
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