Carolyn Danen

She graduated from Tarpon Springs High School in 1951, and shortly thereafter, married Richard H. Barry of Palm Harbor, FL. The marriage produced four children and lasted twenty-nine years.

Carolyn worked for more than three decades for the Pinellas County School system, in various secretarial positions in more than three schools and eventually in the offices of school board members.

With her second husband, Michael J. Spoto of Oldsmar, FL, she became a world traveler, visiting Europe, Africa, Australia, and many other venues too numerous to name. Together, they told many stories of their travels, and shared friendships literally around the world! Friends and family spent vacation times in their summer homes in Maine and Tennessee.

Upon Mr. Spoto's death in 2008, Carolyn moved to Clearwater. Always active in church throughout her life, she attended Calvary Baptist Church in Clearwater. It was there in 2011, she met and married Ray J. Danen of Clearwater, and eventually, the couple moved to St. Mark Village in Palm Harbor. They formed many friendships along the way, those friends visiting her in her final days.

She died peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her children and husband of 14 years on March 14th, 2025.

She is survived by her husband, Ray J. Danen, daughter Debra Barry Bryan of Ft. Lauderdale, son John C. Barry of Oklahoma City, OK, daughter Janice Barry Coulter of Palm Harbor, FL, daughter Donna Barry Fleming of Tampa, FL, cousins, nieces and nephews--and their many children. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren, most of whom through Carolyn's family are 5th and 6th generation native-born Floridians.

And none of them will ever forget "Nana"!