Maria E. Esposito Whalen

Maria E. Whalen of Universal City passed away February 13, 2014 at the age of 86. She was preceded in death by her parents and son LTC. Mark Whalen, USAF Retired. She proudly served as a1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army as a Registered Nurse. She earned her Master’s Degree at St. Mary’s University. She is survived her son, Matthew J. Whalen; brother, Robert Christopher; daughter-in-law, Susan Whalen; grandchildren, Taylor, Abigail, Emily and Isaac Whalen; close friend, Forest Lindsey and numerous nieces and nephews. She was the chapter president of DAV #17 and a member of American Legion #667. Maria Esposito Whalen was beloved by many. She was first generation Italian American, as well as a vivacious woman whose strong opinions helped form her deep sense of right and wrong. She was fiercely proud of her sons and her grandchildren. She was a gourmet cook who loved to entertain. She was an accomplished bridge player, achieving Junior Bridge Master status decades ago. Maria was also an avid world traveler. Maria was a voracious reader who believed in education. Her first academic goal was accomplished when she became a registered nurse, then was commissioned as an officer in the Army. She left the military after she married and became pregnant with her first child. Maria returned to school and in 1984 she graduated from Incarnate Word College with her BA in English and Philosophy. She studied further accomplishing a graduate degree in counseling. Maria was active in the community. She volunteered as a docent at the Witte museum for years. She was a VFW member, which is where she met her faithful friend, Forest Lindsey. Graveside service and interment will be held on Thursday, February 20, 2014 at 10:30 A.M. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with military honors.