Mariana Spahija

Mrs. Mariana Spahija, 42 years old, died on Thursday May 19th 2011. She and close friend Mrs. Donika Bardho died as a result of a single auto accident.

Mrs. Spahija was born August 13th, 1968 in Patos, Albania. The youngest of four children, Mariana's family valued the importance of education. After earning a Bachelor's Degree in History and a minor in Geography from the University of Tirana, Albania in 1991, she taught high school for one year. The following five years she had the good fortune to teach children with special needs.

She and her husband and young children immigrated to Dahlonega Georgia in 1998. She worked tirelessly to establish her new life in America, making many sacrifices for the benefit of her family. Her early years in America Mariana worked as a housekeeper as well as night shifts at Wal-Mart. At the same time she attended North Georgia College and State University. In 2002 Mariana earned a Masters Degree in Special Education providing her the opportunity to teach at Lumpkin County Elementary School. In 2006 she earned a Specialist Degree in Administration. At the time of her death Mariana was concluding her 3rd year teaching at Lumpkin County High School in the Special Education department.

Of the countless things Mariana will be remembered for, a few are her unparalleled work ethic, ability to easily make friends and establish community with people from all walks of life and her devotion to family and friends. Her generous spirit had no boundaries. She held a strong belief in showing respect to all persons and was an advocate for people with special needs.
One of her proudest moments was when she and her family became US citizens in 2003.

She is survived by her husband of 21 years, Burhan; son, Saed, daughter, Ada Spahija; niece, Rosela Golloshi; brother, Todi Golloshi, his wife Arta, nephews Mateo and Klevi Golloshi; mother in law, Mrs. Sabire Spahija all of Dahlonega; Albanian community in Dahlonega: Petraq Bardho, his daughter, Erica Bardho and son, Gerti Bardho; Ali Zajmi, wife Elvira and sons Arlin and Almir Zajmi as well as several others; family residing in Albania: parents Josif and Pipa Golloshi; Brother Dionis Golloshi and family; sister, Valentina Golloshi and family; numerous cousins.

In her memory a fund for the Special Education program at Lumpkin County High School will be established; in lieu of flowers donations can be made to Lumpkin County High School, noted on the check for the Spahija/Bardho fund and mailed to 2001 Indian Drive, Dahlonega, Georgia 30533.

A funeral for Mariana Spahija and Donika Bardho will be held at Dahlonega United Methodist Church, Thursday, May 26th at 4:30 PM with interment afterward, at Dahlonega Memorial Park Cemetery. Banister Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.