Maureen Dunleavy Koch

Maureen was born on a Monday, May 26, 1948 in Brooklyn, NY to excited parents Rita (Connolly) and John Dunleavy. She grew up to be a true NYC girl with confidence and grace. The family lived in several locations throughout New York, finally settling in Richmond Hill, Queens. Maureen was involved in a number of youth activities including Girl Scouts, Walther League, and the International Order of Rainbow for Girls. She graduated from Richmond Hill High School in 1966 as a National Merit Scholar finalist.

Having worked as a candy striper at Jamaica Hospital in Queens, Maureen was drawn to the profession of nursing. Her cousin in Florida encouraged her to consider the nursing program at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL. After falling in love with the campus, her fate was sealed and she headed south for college. While in Gainesville, she participated in the campus ministry at First Lutheran Church. Here is where she met her future husband, Jeffrey.

Maureen had an aunt and uncle in Clearwater, FL where Jeffrey was from. Being an upper classman, he had a car and she would share rides with him down to Clearwater from time to time. Eventually a love blossomed between them and they married in June 1969. However, their honeymoon was short-lived as Jeff received orders to serve in the Vietnam conflict and was shipped out that October. Maureen took the opportunity to finish her Bachelors of Science in Nursing graduating from UF in August of 1970.

Maureen’s nursing career was varied and far reaching. Her career included emergency medicine, hospital nursing, instructor, home health, nursing homes and case management. Through it all, her caring bedside manner and commitment to detail resulted in the appreciation and thanks of patients, colleagues and doctors alike. Even after retirement, family and friends would still seek her advice regarding medical issues.

Maureen was also very involved in the various church congregations she belonged to over the years. You would see her at the women’s fellowship group, bible study, book club, worship and music committee, and even congregation president. She rarely missed a social event as she loved to be with people and stay connected with them. Her faith carried her in good times and when life presented her with struggles.

Maureen was always ready to support the activities of her children and grandchildren. Whether it was an awards ceremony, piano recital, choir concert, theatre performance, dance recital, baseball or softball game. Maureen was there for every practice and performance cheering louder than anyone else.

Anyone who knew Maureen had experienced a meal at her table. She loved to cook and entertain and never knew a stranger. There was always room for one more at the table. She put her passion into practice for a number of years as a Pampered Chef consultant. Holidays were her time to really shine and there were often guests included who were away from their own family for whatever reason. But her favorite time was the regular Sunday family dinners she and Jeff shared with their children and granddaughters.

Maureen is survived by her husband Jeff, daughter Elizabeth “Betsy” (Harvey), son John (Andrea), and granddaughters Allison, Katherine, and Samantha Koch and Emily Kitzman. She is also survived by numerous extended family members who will all miss her effervescent light and love.

Please join us for a celebration of her life -- scroll for service information.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Maureen's honor with any of the following organizations: (direct links below)

Lutheran World Relief

American Cancer Society

Shriners Children's Hospitals

Lutheran Church of the Resurrection Memorial Fund (donate below, mail a check, or call 727.785.1117)

Kind condolences may be offered in our "Add a Memory" section below.