Obituary of Georgeanne Walsh Fimbres

Georgeanne Walsh Fimbres was a force for good, exuding kindness and positivity to everyone she met. This beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend passed away July 10 in her longtime Tucson hometown. She was 83.

Georgeanne’s story began on July 24, 1939, with the extraordinary good fortune of being born alongside her identical twin, Geraldine. One of five children born to James A. and Mary Ficca Walsh, Georgeanne spent her first dozen years in Mesa, Washington, D.C. and Phoenix. When her father was nominated by President Harry Truman to the U.S. District Court in 1952, the family moved into a red brick home in Tucson on East Broadway, then a dirt road where her younger brothers searched for scorpions.

Georgeanne attended St. Joseph’s Academy, Salpointe Catholic High School and the University of Arizona, where she received a bachelor’s degree in home economics and a master’s in education. She married Guy Fimbres in 1961, and was an adoring and inspirational mother to her children, Guy Christopher and Gabrielle.

She first taught science at St. Michael’s School, and in 1971 became one of the earliest faculty members at Pima Community College. Gerogeanne led a grant-funded nutrition program for families living in underserved communities, and once the grant ended, she served as the head of Pima’s Fashion Design Department for more than 40 years. With a lifelong passion for beautiful designs and textiles, she inspired generations of fashion designers. Her sewing classes also drew non-traditional, first-time college students who went on to get Pima degrees. 

In 1971, Georgeanne and her husband, Guy Fimbres, opened Villa Feliz Flowers, which  remained an exquisite local shop for more than 50 years. Gerogeanne quickly found her passion and talent for floral art and for connecting with brides and other customers - who often became lifelong friends - in bringing their creative vision to life.

Georgeanne was dedicated to making Tucson a better place to live by partnering to find  creative solutions to problems. She had a gift for empowering others, and seeing the very best in everyone she met. She adored her extended family, and her children, grandchildren and great-grandson were the loves of her life.

Georgeanne is survived by daughter Gabrielle Fimbres Gonzales and son-in-law Jay Gonzales; grandchildren Adam (Abriana), Alana and Rachel Gonzales and her precious great-grandson, Jett. She is also survived by brothers Jim (Claudette), Tom (Janice) and Mike, along with cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. She is preceded in death by parents James and Mary Walsh, husband Guy, son Guy Christopher and sister Geraldine Mattern. 

Funeral Mass, concelebrated by her brother, Fr. Michael Walsh, will be held at 11 am, Friday, Sept. 15, Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church, 1800 S. Kolb Road, followed immediately by a celebration of life for the twins Georgie and Gerri at the Arizona Inn, 2200 E. Elm St. Donations may be made to the Pima Foundation, Tu Nidito, Community Food Bank Child Nutrition, Literacy Connects or the animal rescue organization of your choice.