Georgeanne "Connie" Bader Muia

Georgeanne is survived by her adoring husband of 57 years, LTC James Muia (retired); children, William “Bill” Bader Muia (Susan Homberg) of Towson, MD, Lisa Muia of Atlanta, GA & KrisTina “Tina” Muia, also of Tampa; sister, Gail (Thomas) Kilmartin of Tampa; and sister-in-law Carol Conaway of West Chester, PA. Her passing leaves a hole in the hearts of her grandchildren, Grayson Muia (Khadija), Diana Muia, Paige & Kaylie Homberg as well as many nieces & nephews & their own children. She is preceded in death by her parents, George & Edna Conaway; her younger brother, George Timlin Conaway Jr.; and first husband, LTJG William Bader, USN.

“Connie” was born on September 20, 1940, in Philadelphia, PA to George Timlin Sr. & Ada Louzell "Edna May" Conaway (nee Hunley). She attended Shippensburg State College but left to marry Naval Aviator William Bader in 1961 and together had son Bill in 1962 while stationed in Virgina Beach, VA. Tragically, just two weeks after Billy’s birth and on Connie’s 22nd birthday, her husband was killed during a flight exercise. A second marriage produced Lisa in 1966, after which Connie & her children moved in with lifelong best friend, Gerda Michelsen, at Ft Benning, Georgia. There she met a dashing Army Capt. James Muia, who quickly fell in love with Connie, Billy & Lisa. They were married in 1968 and after a move to St. Pete Beach, FL, Tina came along in 1970. Connie spent the next 30 years living the Army Wife life with tours in Annandale, VA, Brussels, Belgium, Atlanta, GA, Verona, Italy, Stuttgart, Germany, & Annapolis, MD before finally settling in Tampa, Florida.

Her careers were as varied as her interest & she truly lived one of her many mottos – “If you love your job, you never work a day in your life.” As a real estate agent in Atlanta (’76 - ‘81), sitting on the Board of Directors at the North American Girl Scouts of Europe (’82 - ‘88), favorite Substitute Teacher during Tina’s senior year at Patch American High School (’87 -’88), Director of Volunteers at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (’89 – ’92) and finally as Director of Chapter & Affiliates at ISPE (’92 – ’06), she blazed a trail, impacted the lives of so many & made lifelong friends.

Connie was known for her quick & often sharp wit, her storytelling with a flourish, and as the highlight of any gathering, whether hosting soirees at her beautiful Italian Villa on Via Bel Sito, working a room of State Department dignitaries or wrangling Girl Scouts on a Troop Trip to Paris. She appreciated & promoted the Arts & Artists, to which & whom she was always drawn. She was a passionate shopper of the market stalls & factory stores of Europe & a fierce negotiator of Canal Street knockoffs. She adored all things Italian (especially her husband!), family holidays in Denmark, Florence, Rome & Philadelphia. Most of all, Connie cherished sharing time, stories, food & drink with her beloved Jim & the swarm of family & friends that encircled her.

The Muia family would like to especially thank our family of caregivers, Patricia Rhinesmith (Cousin), Charles Rhinesmith & Yolandi Proenza for their loving care, loyal friendship & all the laughter during Connie’s final years.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for April 11th from 3:00 – 7:00 pm at Blount and Curry Life Event Center, 605 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33609. Remarks and reflections will begin at 6:00 pm. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Georgeanne’s sassy & incredible life. In lieu of flowers, please just raise a glass in her name & share a memory of her.

A second Celebration Party is scheduled for Sunday, Sept 14th from 3:00 to 6:00 at Union Street Public House, 121 S. Union Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Expect raucous laughter, funny stories & some of Connie's favorite foods & beverages. All are welcome but please RSVP by August 31st to Jim's email at [email protected] so we can be sure to have enough for repeated toasts to her memory.

Georgeanne Conaway Bader Muia will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery on Monday, Sept 15th at 2 pm. Those planning to attend can also reach out to [email protected] and information will be forwarded.