Birth date: Aug 14, 1932 Death date: Apr 8, 2010
Gandy, Margaret Jean Parham, 77, of Tampa, went home on April 8, 2010. She was a native Floridian born in Orlando on August 14, 1932. She graduated from Florida State University with a bachelor's degree in recreation education, wa Read Obituary
Margaret Gandy was a blessing and inspiration to all she met, through her grace, caring, gentle guidance and knowledge. The had a gift for developing a loving rapport with students and parents alike. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers, and we will always treasure our memories of her.
Our love,
Robin, Ken, Matthew, Jonathan, and Spencer Shick
My mother and I are so incredibly broken-hearted about Mrs. Gandy's passing. My mother worked with Margret at Plant in the late 80's when I was in high school and they were great friends. She wrote an amazing letter of remmendation for me to use in applying for scholarships which I still have and charish. Because she took me under her wing, I attended my first choice school, University of Florida, on academic and other scholarships. She took me by the hand and guided me through the confusing process of applying of scholarships and applying to colleges. It's been 20 years since Mrs. Gandy was kind enough to offer me her guidence at Plant. A few months ago I ran into Mrs. Gandy at the Publix on Neptune where we spoke for more than an hour about how well my life has turned out. I told her how happy my mom and I are about my career success as a pharmaceutical rep over the last 10 years. I told her my success would not have been possible without her kindness, wisdom and guidence. I'm so blessed to have been able to tell her that day how much I appreciated her help and efforts on my behalf. Her efforts truly shaped my life for the better. My mother and I offer our deepest sympathy to her family. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. She will be greatly missed, but we will never forget her beautiful smile and positive outlook on life. Sincerely, Whitney & Fredericka Webster
Bill, Lee and Marcia,
My prayers are with you and your families. This is a hard time for you, but I am praying that our great and glorious God will fill you with His peace.
Margaret Jean was one of my favorite cousins. I loved she and her sister Dorothy so much. They both made me feel special as a child visiting Nana and all the aunts, uncles and cousins.
Margaret Jean was a jewel. My love and prayers are with you all.
Love,
Carolyn
You gave so much to so many. All my life I have heard stories of how you were there at my parent's wedding helping make sure everything happen "as it should"! You and my dad were close cousins until he died. You were there for my mom as she mourned her loss. You were there for my daughter as she went through the college selection process...and with her mom (me) with all my questions! You and Bill were there after my car accident and gave support whenever/wherever needed. You gave so much...I'm sure I thanked you over and over but, I will never feel like you realized how much you were truly appreciated and loved. I hope somehow, you are being rewarded now and see how many lives you touched! I'm sure my dad is thanking you for all you did to help his wife, daughter and granddaugher after he passed. We celebrate your life. You will be missed and never forgotten.
Margaret we were looking forward to helping you check items off your bucket list! Well, when we meet again we will reminisce and have all the answers we ever wanted. You are a role model for all of us remaining here in our earthly bodies to imitate. Margaret you touched many lives and will be truly missed. Until we meet again, Jim and Sarah Parham
A Parham legend has left us and she will always be very fondly remembered in my heart as we shared many joy's and sorrows through the years. Margaert you went much too quickly and I didn't get to tell you goodbye, be at rest and peace. YOu and DIck are up there having a ball and telling all the Parham tales. Les and Earnest will fill in any details. Your loving cousin, Donna
Bill and family, We grieve with you over the loss of Margaret as we rejoice over her victory on many fronts...a life fully lived, service rendered, a race run until the finish line, and an eternal victory and consolation beyond what we can conceive or imagine. Margaret engaged with people more fully than anybody I have ever met. She was such an example of connecting right at the other's point of interest and need. She was the first person our son and I met when our family moved to Tampa; her influence on all of our lives began at that meeting and continued on through high school and college years into the early years of his career and marriage. She was always interested and involved, sharing all that she knew and offering all types of encouragement and inspiration. We, and many, many others, are different and better people from knowing her, and we are grateful for the life she lived and the gifts she shared. We loved her and we miss her! Laurie Semke, for Rob and the family
Longtime friends, we volunteered together and then got paid. Our families played together and then the kids grew up. We still played together, worked together, laughed and cried together. We shared joy and secrets and sorrows. I will miss her,her smile, her laughter, her counsel, her compassion, her understanding, her love and zest for life.
So to Bill, Marcia, Lee and children and grandchildren and that precious little Allie whom I was privileged to meet, we love you all and feel honored to have known Margaret and each of you.
I was on and off the train for brief and long durations. But what a blessing to have been part of your family lives.
I admired Margaret's faith in God and people and her strength to support her beliefs and to stand up for truths she treasured. Her love of God, people of all walks of life and talent, her joy and acceptance of life as it came to her, and her ability to make the best of all situations as she showed strength and faith in others she served, is part of who she has been. The memories will not leave us and will continue to make us better for having shared her life.
What a wonderful woman those of us who's children went to Plant High had the luck to meet! Without her guidance and help, my son would not have had the opportunities for higher learning. I'll always remember her kind and encouraging words to help my son & I make the right choices for his college. Mrs. Gandy, you will be missed.
Margaret was my mentor and encourager as I began the postion as Guidance Resource Specialist at Gaither High School 12 years ago. I appreciate all that she taught me. I first met her in 1991 as talk was beginning about the "new position" that was eventually coming to Hillsborough County schools. The experience has been very rewarding to help students receive college admissions, financial aid, and scholarships. Margaret was always helpful and patient with my many questions over the years. My prayers are with the family at this difficult time.
