Virginia Georgeann Sarikcioglu

Virginia Georgeann Sarikcioglu, Beloved Songbird, Mother, Sister, Grandmother, Friend. Virginia Georgeann Sarikcioglu, 82, passed away on August 5, 2022. She was born to George Buren Shive and Mary Virginia Shive in Lincoln, Illinois, on May 4, 1940. She married Cengiz Sarikcioglu in May of 1964. They lived together in several places throughout the United States, including Lincoln, Illinois; Flushing Meadows, New York; Falls Church, Virginia; and East Brunswick, New Jersey, before they finally settled in Laguna Beach, California. Together they raised two children. She is survived by her husband; her children and their spouses: Suzan (Ugur) Sencan and Cengiz R. (Apryl) Sarikcioglu; five grandchildren: Aydin and Ahlten Sencan; and Brianna, Hannah, and Eren Sarikcioglu; her siblings: Mary F. (Ronald) of New Lenox, Illinois; H. Robert (Kathryn) Shive of Naperville, Illinois; and David B. (Reanne) Shive of Rockford, Illinois; and several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and -nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents. She graduated in 1958 as Salutatorian from Annawan High School in Annawan, Illinois, and received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois School of Music in 1962. She worked as a music teacher until her retirement in May of 1998. She preferred and went by V. Georgeann Sarikcioglu and was beloved and affectionately called “Mrs. S.” by her students and colleagues. She was known by her family and friends as “Janny.” She was passionate about music and enjoyed teaching children to have a love, understanding, and appreciation of the musical arts. V. Georgeann’s students did not just listen to music—she taught them the magic of it. Rummy sticks, recorders, keyboards, maracas and more were always in her classroom and car on the ready. Her choruses welcomed all children and inspired audiences as they were known as some of the largest in the school districts she taught, having as many as 405 students in some cases. V. Georgeann was honored with numerous music awards and accolades and was offered a position of director of music in the South Plainfield School District in New Jersey. V. Georgeann was a bright, colorful, and loving person who believed in the good of all people. She brought joy and laughter to all who knew her. She would not hesitate to help others and would give the shirt off her back if you needed it. She adored and cherished her family, and spending time with them was precious. V. Georgeann loved singing, playing piano, and anything musical. Reading was a great hobby, with mysteries being one of her favorite genres, and not to forget, she was a big fan of Disney. Services for V. Georgeann Sarikcioglu will be on September 3, 2022. The memorial visitation will be from 11:00 a.m.to 1:00 p.m. at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, with a memorial service immediately following from 1:00 to 1:30 p.m. The burial and final resting place will be at 2:00 p.m. at the Maplewood Cemetery in New Lenox, Illinois. https://secure.aspca.org/team/georgeann-s-memorial-campaign