Jennie Granahan

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Jennie Marino Granahan, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Jennie went home to be with the Lord and reunite with her husband on October 11th, at the age of 93.

The cherished Matriarch of her family was born on November 21, 1929, in Tampa to Bennie and Mary Puglisi Marino. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 71 years, Thomas F. Granahan, her parents, Bennie and Mary Marino, and brothers Ben and Tony Marino. She is survived by her two daughters Jennie Granahan Tarr (Robert Brazel) Eileen Granahan Coates (Joe), three grandsons, Joseph, Thomas, Declan and two bonus grandchildren Jarod Brazel (Chandler) and Dr. Morgan Brazel. She is also survived by two sisters Mary Jane Martinez (Bob) and Angie Berg.

Jennie grew up in Tampa and graduated from Hillsborough High School in 1947. She attended Florida State University where she majored in Health Education, obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Education in 1951. While attending Florida State University, Jennie was a member of Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society in Education which was one of the first specific honor societies. It’s membership is limited to the top 20 percent of those entering the field of education. Jennie met her future husband Tom at FSU and in 1952 she married her college sweetheart.

Jennie was a beloved 5th grade teacher for many years. She taught at both Cahoon and Dickinson Elementary in Tampa. She was known for being “ firm but fair” and often had former students recognize and enthusiastically greet her at various Tampa locations decades after she had retired from teaching. In 1972 Jennie earned her Master of Arts in elementary education from the University of South Florida while being a homemaker and raising two daughters. Jennie was a lifelong student often quoting to her children and grandchildren what was carved in stone over her alma mater’s library:

“ The half of knowledge is knowing where to find knowledge “. Jennie was ahead of her time by researching and learning about the principles of anti-aging and wellness long before it became widely known. She was always studying and taught her family the value of good nutrition, exercise and natural remedies. She was her own best student and continued going to the gym and working out with a personal trainer well into her eighties. She was clever and had a quick wit. She had a Joie de vivre, loved music and dancing and was always ready to travel, go out to lunch or attend one of her grandson’s sporting events. Jennie loved hosting her family and friends and would always have trays of food ready to turn any visit, no matter how short, into a party. She made everyone she encountered feel loved and so very special.

Jennie or “Mimi” as she was affectionately called by her grandchildren and family was a ray of sunshine lighting up any room she walked into. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family. She was loving, gentle and supportive, always ready with a smile, kind word , encouragement and a hug. Jennie and Tom were hand in hand life partners dedicated to creating a loving and stable home and forging a path for their daughters. Together they gave them a thirst for knowledge and instilled in them the value of education and hard work. They also taught their daughters integrity, loyalty, faith, compassion and the importance of family. Jennie was a rock, indefatigable and immovable when it came to her family. Her stalwart dedication emanated from the unconditional love she had for her family. She was all in at all times and it was nonnegotiable.

Jennie was optimistic, courageous and steadfast in the face of challenges and an everlasting source of strength for her family. She exemplified grace and dignity, never complaining about anything and always finding the silver lining in everything. She was resilient and strong in faith never wavering in her belief that we could overcome any obstacle placed before us.

Jennie was one of the sweetest , purest and most selfless persons ever to have walked the planet, truly an angel among us. Those of us who were blessed to have known her understand that the imprint she left on our hearts far exceeds the time she had on Earth. She will be greatly missed and never forgotten.

A funeral mass will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday November 3rd at Christ the King Catholic Church, 821 S. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL., officiated by Reverend Brian King, Episcopal Secretary of the Diocese of Palm Beach, Florida. Following the mass, the family will receive family and friends to join in celebrating Jennie’s life from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Tampa Yacht & Country Club, 5320 Interbay Blvd. Tampa, FL.