Marianne VanLandingham's Obituary
Marianne O. VanLandingham, 91, of St. Pete Beach, passed away Sunday, October 15, 2017. She was born on February 17, 1926, in New York, New York, and graduated from Queens College with a degree in education. She taught elementary school in New York, Pennsylvania and Texas and was an honorary member of Delta Kappa Gamma, an international society of outstanding women educators. Marianne stopped teaching once she started her family, and became very involved in her children’s school activities and scouting endeavors. But, her desire to serve her community grew into volunteer service in many important activities. She served as President of Hillsborough County Council of P.T.A’s, Vice President of District 7 of the Florida State P.T.A., and as the local PTA President. Marianne served on the Blue Ribbon Fact Finding Committee for Education for Hillsborough County. She also served in various capacities on the County Advisory Boards for health and children’s services and the Community Coordinating Council. She was President of the Hillsborough County Children’s Services Volunteer League, served on the Truancy Task Force, and was the 2nd Vice-Chairman of the International Year of the Child for Hillsborough County. In 1977, she was appointed to serve as Chairman of the Dependency Task Force of the County’s Study Commission of Children and Youth.
Marianne was a member of the Hillsborough County Unit of the American Cancer Society’s Board of Directors and Chairman of the Public Education Committee. She served as treasurer of the Sword of Hope Guild, an auxiliary of the Cancer Society, and received an award from the American Cancer Society for her work in the 20 Years of their Cancer Prevention Study.
When she moved from her home to an independent living facility, she began taking part with the musical theater group. She had a lovely soprano voice.
Marianne married Robert VanLandingham on July 3, 1948 and was married for 57 years until his death in 2006. They lived in the Tampa Bay area for over 63 years, residing in St. Pete Beach since 1980. Marianne thoroughly enjoyed boating, fishing, traveling and was a member of the Salty Sisters at SPYC. She is survived by her three children: Robert, Linda, and Niel; six grandchildren: Eric, Michael, Rachel, Ryan, Laurel and Thadius; and five great-grandchildren: Anna, Cara, Abby, Josh, and Lydia.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made Suncoast Hospice or a favorite charity of your choice.
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