Melania “Millie” George went to be with her Lord and Savior on October 11, 2024.
Melania lived a long, happy and healthy life; always thanking God for her many blessings. Her tremendous faith brought her much joy and comfort throughout her entire life.
Melania’s life journey began in 1931 in a land far away from Turlock. Born in a small village in western Iran Azerbaijan Melania’s father, Sayad Bahramian, was formerly from Armenia. When the Armenian Genocide took place, he somehow escaped and, in 1912, made his way safely to Iran, eventually marrying Sachar, an Assyrian woman, and starting a family.
Melania had two sisters and five brothers; she was the baby of the family. At the age of 18, Melania left Iran for America and came to live with her uncle and his family, a Pentecostal preacher, in Turlock. One of her first jobs was working for the Christoffersen turkey processing plant.
After three years in her newly adopted country, Melania met the most important person in her life: Abram George. It was love at first sight for Melania. Melania often told us how, “He radiated Christian love and kindness and all accompanied by a beautiful smile!” After just one week of their meeting, they knew they wanted to get married and so they did! Setting up home in San Francisco, welcoming the birth of their two daughters, raising their family and eventually moving to Turlock in 1972.
Melania was extremely artistic. She was an amazing seamstress; designing and creating custom wedding dresses, men’s suits and silk neckties. She excelled at cooking and entertaining no one set a more elegant table her grape leaf dolma was unparalleled. Although she never ate much herself, always keeping her girlish figure, she certainly loved welcoming people into her home and preparing a feast of Assyrian foods beyond compare. Melania was known by many for her hospitality, generosity and, above all, her feisty spirit.
Melania was very active in church throughout her life; attending a large Assemblies of God Pentecostal church in San Francisco, Glad Tidings Temple, and later, Bethel Temple, in Turlock. She was, for many years, involved with the Bet Nahrain American Assyrian Organization of Ceres, serving as president of the women’s group for a one year term. Melania was especially proud of her ethnic background; always willing to share the story of her people.
After making the decision to sell her home, Melania moved into Covenant Living of Turlock; she enjoyed the Christian atmosphere, friendly people and the beautiful surroundings that Covenant offered. Melania particularly enjoyed the company of her many nieces and nephews who lived close by and within walking distance.
Melania is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Abram Lloyd George and by her eldest daughter Judith George Bretschneider. She is survived by daughter Julianne George van Leeuwen (Eric), son in law John Bretschneider, grandchildren: Sherene Melania Bretschneider, Arthur Bretschneider (Yusra), Nicolaas Abram van Leeuwen (Danielle), Jacob George van Leeuwen (Vi) and Natali Melania van Leeuwen and by her precious great grandchildren: August, Zane and Anise Bretschneider, Claire, Sophia and Olivia van Leeuwen and numerous nephews and nieces.
Private services will be held at the request of our loved one.
