Tribute to Anna George, 1960 - 2026

Anna Claire George (née Swoboda) was born on August 9, 1960, in Bexleyheath, London. She grew up near Gravesend, Kent, before attending the University of Sussex in Brighton, followed by a diploma in technical translation at North London Polytechnic.  During her studies she spent periods of time living in France, Italy and Belgium, and her first job was running a translating business in Denmark for a year; she was always very adventurous and eager to add to her linguistic skills. Back in the UK, she eventually moved to Bristol where she subsequently became a freelance translator proficient in an impressive number of languages.

It was in Bristol that Anna met and married James (Jim) George. Together, they welcomed two sons and made their home in the Manor Farm, Horfield neighbourhood of Bristol. Bristol remained Anna’s home for the rest of her life, and there she put her heart and soul into her family, friendships, the local community, and her professional circle.

Anna was deeply devoted to improving the lives of those around her. She was instrumental in establishing the St Peter's Community Centre on the Manor Farm estate, working tirelessly with stakeholders, Bristol City Council, and the Manor Farm Community Hub CIC, leading to finally celebrating the opening of the Centre in March 2025.  Anna also assisted with numerous community activities at local school fayres, and church activities, including serving as a youth leader and helping with the Church Youth Centre. In recognition of her tireless volunteer service, Anna was honored with the Horfield and Lockleaze Community Awards in both 2024 and 2026 and was recognized by the Mayor of Bristol for her work in the community.

Anna also had a love of the outdoors. She found joy in exploring her neighbourhood and other areas of Bristol on foot and sharing that joy with others, as a regular of the Horfield and Manor Farm Strollers Walking Group. She went further afield in the UK too with other groups. Her walks were as much about connection as they were about movement—bringing people together with kindness and encouragement.

Anna’s greatest happiness came from time spent with her family, many dear friends and translating colleagues, and her beloved cats. She loved walking, sharing meals, and traveling, faithfully documenting life’s moments in the many photographs that she delighted in sharing.  Her circle of friends was wide and enduring, spanning her school and university years, her professional life, her neighbourhood, and her volunteer communities. She will be remembered for her cheerfulness, optimism even in the face of adversity, generosity of spirit, and unwavering commitment to helping others.

Anna was preceded in death by her parents, Rita and Victor Swoboda, and by her husband, Jim, whose memory she lovingly kept alive with a rose bush in her garden. She is survived by her sons, Harry and Michael of Bristol UK; her brother, Matthew, and his wife, Beverly, of Windham, New Hampshire (USA); and her niece, Diane, of Seattle, Washington (USA).

Anna left us far too soon and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.