Virginia Macagnoni

Virginia Macagnoni, born December 4, 1927 in New Orleans, LA, died peacefully on September 22, 2023, in Athens, GA. The daughter of Sheda and Mary Macagnoni and sister of Sheda Macagnoni, Jr., all now deceased, Virginia cherished the loving family created by her parents, with values that shaped and sustained her all her life.
Virginia remained in New Orleans to earn her bachelor’s degree from H. Sophie Newcomb Memorial College and completed a doctoral degree from Florida State University in 1959. Her passion for the development of leadership, educational policy and curriculum led her to travel and teach in many parts of the world, particularly in South America. She worked with the United States Department of Education to develop graduate programs in her field, which culminated in the development of a doctoral program for use in South America, created through the Alabama State Department of Education. She was passionate about connecting with others to bring creativity to curricula and educational policy.
These rich experiences brought her to the University of Georgia in 1967, excited to be one of the first full-time women professors at UGA. Her contributions to the field were numerous and substantial over her many years at UGA, including her involvement and support in developing the Torrence Center for Creativity and Talent Development. Virginia’s enthusiasm for UGA didn’t stop with the College of Education. The Willson Center for Humanities and Arts and the UGA Performing Arts Center have both benefited from her generosity and involvement. She attended the opening of the Performing Arts Center in 1996 and has spent countless hours since then enjoying its programming. 

She always kept love and respect for students, colleagues, and others at the heart of everything she did. Generosity was always a core value for Virginia, along with a belief that every human was deeply valuable and connected in some way. Over the decades, she gave her time generously, and financially supported a variety of causes in Athens and at the University of Georgia, always inspiring ways for people to work together to achieve a goal for the greater good. 

Known for her engaging personality and spirited fashion style, Virginia had many friends of all ages in the Athens community. She was a devoted Franciscan of The Catholic Center for decades and was often found in a pew with her trademark flower in her hair. With her zest for life, her warmth and generous spirit, Virginia Macagnoni lived her values, inspiring all who knew her. “Be the best person you can be with what you have and the situation you are in because every person is non-repeatable. We are all precious.” – Virginia Macagnoni
A funeral service for Virginia will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at the UGA Catholic Center in Athens, GA.  There will be a reception at the Catholic Center after the service followed by the burial in Conyers, GA.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Mary Frances Early College of Education Memorial/Honors Fund in support of the future Virginia Mary Macagnoni Support Fund. A check may be made to the “UGA Foundation” with Virginia’s name/MFECOE Memorial Fund in the memo line and mailed to the UGA Foundation, 1 Press Place, Suite 101, Athens GA 30601.  You may also donate online at https://t.uga.edu/9qF. Please put Virginia’s name in the special instructions or tribute sections.
Lord & Stephens Funeral Homes, East, Athens, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com

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