In memory of Georgia Rothrock

It was my privilege to know Georgia, and my great regret that I didn’t know her earlier in her life. She hailed from the Midwest, earning a Bachelor of Science in home economics education from MacMurray College for Women, and a Master of Science in foods and nutrition from Pennsylvania State University. She worked for companies like Kellogg and Stouffer as a writer, marketer and home economist, and later moved to California, working as an independent food consultant.

Switching careers, Georgia managed several bookstores on the Peninsula, including Waldenbooks on Burlingame Avenue. Teachers and parents praised and awarded her for contributions to children’s literacy. Upon retirement, she worked as an aide at Burlingame Public Library, and later as a volunteer.

When she found herself at 85 facing an uncertain future, Georgia was blessed by the Tony Robbins Foundation, which subsidized her rent in Belmont. She donated the bulk of her prized book collection to Burlingame’s library. It is very possible that the book you check out may have been hers. 

Georgia faced problems all the way to the end with dignity, courage, intelligence and a dedication to literacy. Her last gift was a book for the child of one of her wonderful hospice workers from Kaiser. She enjoyed the friendship and help of neighbors Jerry and Tom to the end.

Cynthia Cornell

Burlingame