Christel I Bove

Christel was known to be an extremely loving, caring, and supportive wife, mother, daughter, and sister. She possessed an inner strength, stoicism, the ability to see the silver lining in every misfortune that encompassed her and her family. She was a strong woman; whether enduring life as a little girl in Germany during World War II, or defying the odds of survival over the past decade due to her bout with Multiple Sclerosis and a major stroke. She had raised seven very diverse children, nearly 20 grandchildren, and scores and scores of neighborhood kids that had lovingly called her “Mom” throughout the years. She has left an indelible mark on all with her mischievous sense of humor, her creativity and admiration for the arts, and acceptance of every race, creed, and color that had crossed her doorstep.

Christel, or “Chree-stall” - affectionately named by her offspring due to her thick German accent - always put family first. Always! Whether cooking for the entire household (and sometimes a few of their friends), taking each individual child to extracurricular activities, or making sure the home was stocked for food that could feed an army, “Mama” was extremely generous and put the comfort and care of others before herself. Her altruism was boundless.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Christel is survived by her beloved husband of 58 years, Richard Xavier Bove Sr.; her children, Richard Xavier Bove Jr., Joseph Anthony Bove, Christopher Simon Bove, Mari Elizabeth Bove-Lopez, Christina Marie Bove, Gregory Alexander Bove, and Paul James Bove, as well as their spouses and children. She is also survived by her closest sister and best friend, Margot Brockman.

Christel was preceded in death by her war-hero father, Hermann Simon; her mother, Elizabeth; and her sisters, Lisa and Irmgard.

She pursued higher education at St Giles International in London, UK. before moving across the pond to New York City. It is in that large and foreign city she met her husband in 1966 on a blind date. They had been inseparable ever since.

A Visitation where friends and family can gather will take place from 3-5pm on Monday, April 8, 2024 at Blount and Curry Carrollwood located at 3207 W. Bearss Ave. Tampa, FL. 33618

A Funeral Mass to celebrate Christel will take place at 11am on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at St. Timothy Catholic Church located at 17512 Lakeshore Rd, Lutz, FL 33558.

A Celebration of Life Reception in honor of Christel will be held at Joseph and Paola Bove's home on Tuesday, April 9th at 1:00 PM, located on Calf Path Drive, Tampa, FL 33626.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Blount & Curry Funeral Home, located at 3207 W Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33618, is assisting the family with the funeral arrangements.