Georgia Gail Chamley

Georgia Gail Chamley passed away at her son and daughter-in-law’s home on January 23, 2023. She was born to George and Judith Chamley on November 26, 1937, in Milbank, South Dakota. Private family services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Robinson Funeral Home in Spirit Lake. Online condolences may be left at www.spiritlakefuneralhome.com Hers was a childhood spent travelling with her family to construction jobs across the Midwest. While the Chamleys moved often, the connection to their extended family remained strong. Georgia especially loved and was, in turn, adored by her grandparents, Thea and John Lokken. A proud member of the Alpha Phi sorority at the University of South Dakota, the petite beauty delighted in college life, and it was there she met her future husband, Alan Brevik, in 1956. They settled in Watertown, South Dakota where they would grow their family and friendships. Georgia transitioned her lifelong passion for art into a fulfilling profession as art historian. Her career as a college professor took her to universities in Seattle, Texas, and Pennsylvania. She retired in 2000 to Sun City West, AZ and then to Minneapolis, MN. During her time in Seattle, she forged lifelong friendships with professional and travel colleagues. She and her fellow historian, Heather McPhearson, traveled the world: The Silk Road, Egypt, Iran, Peru, and China. Georgia’s vivacious personality, independent spirit, and intelligence endeared her to her lifelong friends including Jane Rova, Gwen Schenecker, Helen Miller, Janet Klawiter, Liz Green, Jennifer Ickes, and Heather McPherson. Her notable interests included classical music, medieval cathedrals, Laphroaig Scotch, reading, and swimming. Georgia aspired to strength and freedom in her life and embraced the words of Robyn Carr, “I hereby vow to be relentlessly happy, ridiculously daring, outrageously open-minded, and passionately optimistic.” Her family will dearly miss this spirited and independent soul. She is survived by daughter, Jennifer Brevik Corning (Steve), Dr. Andrew Brevik, (Mary), Heidi Brevik Rich (Brian), and Allyson Kocmick. Grandchildren include Joe Corning (Erin Hurbi), Lilly Thompson (Will), Drew Brevik, Chloe Volna-Rich (Ryan), Katy Brevik, Gigi Brevik Rich, Nick Brevik Rich, Parker Brevik, Theo Brevik Rich, Megan Cooper, and great granddaughter Rose Thompson. Georgia also leaves her sister, Linda Chamley Johnson (Loren), and special cousins Lana (Larry) Bublitz, and Cynthea Herreid (Nick Nicklos).

Georgia Gail Chamley

November 26, 1937 - January 23, 2023