News Summary
The Tallahassee community mourns the loss of two influential educators, Suzanne Stello Farina and Margo Hall, who positively impacted countless students during their careers. Farina dedicated over 40 years to teaching elementary school, while Hall made history as the first female principal of Leon High School. Both women leave behind legacies of dedication and service that will inspire future generations of educators.
Tallahassee Remembers Educators Suzanne Stello Farina and Margo Hall
TALLAHASSEE, FL – The community is mourning the loss of two influential educators, Suzanne Stello Farina and Margo Hall, whose contributions have shaped the lives of countless students in Tallahassee. Farina passed away on July 23, 2023, at the age of 85, and Hall died on August 1, 2023, at the age of 84.
Suzanne Stello Farina
Suzanne Stello Farina was born on July 23, 1938, in Okeechobee, Florida. A proud alumna of Leon High School and Huntingdon College, she dedicated over 40 years to the field of education as an elementary school teacher. Farina began her teaching career at Maxwell Air Force Base School in Montgomery, later teaching in Pensacola before returning to her roots in Tallahassee. Throughout her career, she served at various schools, including Woodville Elementary, Caroline Brevard Elementary, and Buck Lake Elementary. After retiring, Farina continued to impact the educational community as a beloved substitute teacher at Buck Lake, where she earned the affectionate nickname “The Candy Lady” for her generosity and kindness.
Farina was deeply involved in her community, actively participating in Tallahassee Heights Methodist Church. Beyond her dedication to teaching, she enjoyed traveling, walking, reading, supporting FSU football, dining, playing dominoes, and spending quality time with her grandchildren, whom she lovingly called “Mamu.” She is survived by her son Hank Vinson (Kelly), stepchildren Pete Farina, Steve Farina, Susan Farina Welsh, Stacey Ray, as well as grandchildren Joshua Vinson and Madison Bergeron, along with multiple step-grandchildren. Memorial contributions in her honor can be made to Big Bend Hospice, Inc.
Margo Hall
Margo Hall, who made history as the first female principal of Leon High School, dedicated almost 50 years to education in Tallahassee. Born in Jacksonville, she was raised in Chattahoochee and attended a Catholic girls’ school in Louisiana before furthering her studies at Barry College. Hall graduated summa cum laude, majoring in English, Latin, and history, and later earned her Master’s degree in Latin from Florida State University.
Hall’s teaching career began with Latin instruction across several high schools, including Godby, Lincoln, Leon, and Trinity Catholic. She served as the principal of Leon High from 2001 to 2005. Throughout her career, Hall received numerous accolades, including recognition as a Florida Teacher of the Year Finalist and Outstanding Teacher of Florida. She played a crucial role in establishing the Florida Junior Classical League and was dedicated to mentoring new educators.
In addition to her academic contributions, Hall offered her leadership skills to the community, serving as president of the Tallahassee Junior League and participating in the Tallahassee Garden Club and Goodwood Museum. Her classroom bears her name, serving as a testament to her profound influence on her students, inspiring many to pursue careers in education.
A rosary service and funeral mass for Hall are scheduled at the Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More on August 23, giving the community an opportunity to honor her legacy.
Legacy of Service and Dedication
Both Farina and Hall have left a lasting impact on the educational landscape of Tallahassee, and their legacies will continue to inspire future generations of educators and students. Their commitment to teaching and community service exemplifies the profound influence that dedicated educators can have on their communities.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: Margo Hall’s Obituary
- Dignity Memorial: Margaret Hall
- Legacy.com: Marsha Walper Obituary
- Wikipedia: Educational Leadership
- Legacy.com: Billie Cleveland Obituary
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
