Maureen Bollinger, 81 of Riverview, Florida passed away on September 16, 2019 with her family by her side. She was born in London, England on September 11, 1938 and was the only daughter of Mr. William Devenney and Margaret Devenney (Waring).
Maureen was the widow of Roy E. Bollinger, a 27 year veteran of the USAF and retired SMSGT. They enjoyed 31 years of marriage until his passing in December of 1988. They spent most of their lives traveling and living in many destinations with the United States Air Force.
Maureen enjoyed many things in life, but nothing brought her more joy than spending time with her kids and grandkids. She especially loved going dancing with all her friends at all their regular hangouts. Maureen was a member of the Moose Lodge, and Fraternal Order of Eagles. She also volunteered at The American Red Cross at MacDill AFB for 12 years, from 1989 to 2001.
Maureen became a huge Tampa Bay Rays fan and would rarely miss a game on TV with her son-in-law Ralph Espinosa. She thought Kevin Kiermaire was very cute, and liked Ji-Man Choi who she named Chow Chow!
Maureen was a kind and loving soul with a huge heart. She was always there to lend a hand or hold one. She was never too busy and if something was important to you it was important to her. She was a great friend, a loving Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. Her girlish laugh and sweet personality will be missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her daughter Karena Espinosa and her husband Ralph of Riverview, Florida, sons Ed Bollinger (Rachel) of Boise, Idaho, and Brett Bollinger of Green Cove Springs, seven grandchildren: Brett Bollinger; Justin Bollinger (Bri), Ryan Espinosa (Lexi), Chase Espinosa, Brooke Lawatch (Brad), Dayman Spengler (Kelsey), and Tayler Gibson, and four great grandchildren; Halle Bollinger, Cash Bollinger, Emmett Spengler and a great grandchild Baby Espinosa who will be born in January 2020.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at 1:00 pm at First Baptist Church of Gibsonton, 9912 Indiana Avenue, Gibsonton, FL 33524. The family will receive friends beginning at noon. Pastor Mac Clements will officiate. Final interment will be at Florida National Cemetery alongside her husband Roy E. Bollinger.
Thank you to all our family and friends for all your unconditional love, support and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. With grateful hearts may God bless you all.
The Bollinger Family
Very sorry for your loss from the extended family in Northern Ireland xx
Maureen was just the best Mother-in-law to me. She treated me and my girls like family the first time we all met. I will miss her sweet voice and loving phone calls. You could always count on Mom being the first one to call on Holidays and special occasions. She visited us in Idaho almost every year and I will miss our time together. Especially when I had a “partner in crime” teasing Ed. She has such a wonderful sense of humor. She had gotten to know most of my family here and they will miss her very much too. I will miss her very much.
Its been almost a week since my Mom passed away, and its been really hard not receiving her phone calls and talking to her almost every day. She was a great Mom, loved her family and friends, nothing mad me happier than when she felt good. One of my happiest memories was on her 80th birthday, she had an awesome daughter and son in law, Karena and Ralph that threw a great party for her with all our friends and family, but the best part was when Ralph and Karena had her go to her favorite Tampa Bay Rays game wearing her 80th birthday jersey, no.80. and were able to get her on the Jumbotron. The excitement on her face will be with me forever. It was the best I think my mom felt in years. She had a great life and will be greatly missed, by all that knew her. She was very fortunate to have her daughter and son in law there for her, no matter what it was they took care of her. I know in my heart she has moved on and is in a better place with my Dad, and they are Together Again.
Maureen will be greatly missed, she was a beautiful soul that always made you feel loved and special. She was a wonderful mother in-law to my brother Ralph, although we can never replace our biological Mother, Maureen came close. Danny, Andre’,Bryan and myself will always remember her with much love. Our condolences to all the family.
Teri
The loss of your mother has saddened our entire family, she was such a great person. We hope the precious memories you carry in your heart will help you through this challenging time.
Our hearts go out to you at this time of mourning. Losing a parent is never easy and we do understand the feelings you are experiencing. All of our love to you guys; we are always here for you.
So sorry for your loss. Prayers to all.
Maureen was a wonderful lady. I will miss her assisting me with the stuffing of envelopes to be given to our service members and veterans at the VA, assisted living facilities, returning home Honor flights, stano boxes, and care packages. So you see, she did more than simply dance and see her dearest friends at the Eagle’s and the Moose. To her filling the envelopes was no big deal. To the many recipients her genuine act of kindness and service will never be forgotten. Maureen had a beautiful spirit. Her genuineness will be missed.
Heaven has reclaimed an angel.
Inetta Bullock
James A Haley VAVS
Hillsborough County Veterans Council
MOAA
Fraternal Order of Eagles #3566 Auxiliary President
Brandon Moose Lodge
Maureen was my aunt that I had only met once 10 years ago for a short few days. I immediately fell in love with this beautiful, warm and kind woman.
I regret not getting the chance to get to know her better. She was truly an amazing woman and a blessing to any that knew her.
My heart and thoughts go to her family. I know they are feeling an unbelievable void in their lives.