Georgia Ellen Reed Danahy

DANAHY, Georgia Ellen Reed, 93, died peacefully at sleep in her home on November 11, 2023. Born August 13, 1930, in Port Huron, MI, at age 4 her family moved with her to Tampa, FL. The devoted daughter of working-class parents, she was a top student at the old Jefferson High School in Tampa Heights. She attended the University of Tampa on academic scholarship, where she excelled both in the classroom, and in extracurriculars. On one notable trip with the Spartan Marching Band, Georgia performed as majorette in Havana, Cuba’s Tropicana nightclub. And during a Summer break, this beautiful coed worked as a mermaid at Weeki Wachee Springs. It was in college that she met, and fell in love with her future husband, best friend, and life partner, Paul Danahy, whom she married in 1951 on Christmas Day. After Paul returned from the Korean War, the two newlyweds attended the University of Florida, where she achieved her Master of Education in Early Childhood Development. For 37 years, Georgia taught all elementary school grades, typically in Community schools, where she knew that she could do the most good. She believed strongly in the power of positive reinforcement, and her classroom “Snoopy Store” (which she stocked to reward academic and behavioral improvement) is still fondly remembered by former students. It was also common for Georgia to take at-risk children under her wing, and did whatever was necessary to keep them safe. A born leader, she achieved administrative roles as lofty as Principal. But it became obvious that young children would be her focus, and she was one of three determined women who together brought Florida’s very first Head Start program to Tampa. Her enthusiasm, innovative techniques, and love of children made a positive impact on thousands of lives. Georgia was also a talented and renowned vocalist: Known for her perfect pitch soprano voice, she quickly rose to the top of Tampa’s lyric opera scene, where she became a highly sought choral soloist, and, for years, performed at Tampa’s largest churches. She also earned lead roles in many local productions of hit musicals, such as My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music, Gentlemen Prefer Blonds, and The King and I - to great critical acclaim. She concluded her singing career as a longtime member of the Tampa Oratorio Society, and with the Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church’s Chancel Choir. Georgia was a wonderful wife and mother, and always put the needs of her family first. One of her greatest joys was the beautiful house that she and Paul built, and where she was so proud to live for the last 53 years of her life. She served as president of both the local chapter of the Kappa Delta Pi honor society in education, and of the Hillsborough County Retired Educators Organization, was a 50-year member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority, and was a member of the University of Tampa Women’s Club, the Friday Morning Musicale Association, the Sigma Alpha Iota international women’s music fraternity, the Florida Bar Association Wives Club, and of the Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church. Georgia’s character was defined by her love of God, devotion to family and friends, high level of service for students, and overarching charitable generosity. She is survived by her children, Matthew R. Danahy (Lori), Thomas M. Danahy (Christine Toth), and Laura D. Sailer (Kurt); grandchildren, Kyle J. Sailer, Leah S. Barber (Jayce); Conor R. Danahy, and Lauren R. Danahy; great-grandchild, Benson J. Barber; and many cherished extended family members, and friends. Georgia was preceded in death by her dear husband, Judge Paul W. Danahy, Jr.; her parents, Loretta J. and William H. Reed; and siblings, Dr. William S. Reed, M.D., M.S. (Kay)(Coppi), Dr. Robert H. Reed, D.D.S. (Alma), and Rita R. Bennett (Dennis). A celebration of her life will be held this Sunday, 11/19, at Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church, 3501 W. San Jose Street, Tampa, FL 33629, beginning with a Visitation at 2:00, a Funeral Service at 3:00, and a Reception thereafter. Donations in Georgia’s name may be made to the Danahy Family Foundation at cftampabay.org/Danahy, or by sending a check to the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay at 4300 W. Cypress Street, Suite 700, Tampa FL 33607-4157. Please note the “Danahy Family Foundation” in the memo line. Any flowers can be sent by Saturday to Blount & Curry Funeral Home, 605 S. MacDill Avenue, Tampa, FL 33609, 813-876-2421.