Cecilia "Sally" McCann

Cecilia “Sally” Mary McCann, 96, of Southington, CT, passed away peacefully after a brief illness. Born on December 8, 1928, in Trenton, New Jersey, to the late Elsie and Joseph McCann, Sally lived a life filled with passion for family, friends, teaching, learning and animals.

She survived by her three loving children, Lee Danajovits, Carla Danajovits and Joseph Danajovits and his wife Laurie Danajovits and she was predeceased by her loving partner, Frank Thielman.

Sally grew up in the Bronx, NY and during her summers, she served as a lifeguard in Manhattan’s “Hell’s Kitchen” and as an activities supervisor at Bronx neighborhood playgrounds. It was at this time she married Frank Vincent Danajovits and later moved to Southington, CT to raise a family. She graduated from the State University of New York at Oswego, NY and received her Masters in teaching from Central Connecticut State University.

Sally retired as a dedicated kindergarten teacher from the Southington Public Schools educating generations of children. Prior to her tenure in Southington, she also taught in Greenwich and Ellington, CT. Sally taught a deep respect for the natural world, the environment and the love of animals. Sally was also an advocate for human rights, particularly for disenfranchised women. Her belief in equality and justice touched the lives of many.

Sally was an exceptional swimmer and earned her open water diving certification in her 50s. She also embraced challenges, completing a rigorous Outward Bound survival program and participating in cattle drives in Montana in her 60s. As a Catholic, she embraced and practiced all facets of the religion and also showed interest in Buddhism and Quakerism.

Sally's adventurous spirit, commitment to justice and deep love for her family, friends and community will be forever cherished. Sally's life was a testament to the passion of the enduring human spirit. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 21, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. from the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St., Plantsville, with an 11:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Dominic's Church, 1050 Flanders Rd., Southington. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. Calling hours will be held from 4 – 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at the Plantsville Funeral Home. For online condolences and directions, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com.