Doris Emily Hallgren

Hallgren, Doris E., 96, passed away on December 8, 2023, with her daughter Linda Hallgren by her side. She was preceded in death by John Hallgren, her husband of 70 years, and her daughter Karen Hallgren. Doris had an amazing life as the daughter and then wife of Military men. Doris enjoyed playing music, first as a pianist at the age of 7 and then as a Cellist for the High School Symphony. Born in Kansas City Missouri, she moved often with her parents, finishing her final two years of college at the University of Colorado at Boulder where she met John. His career took them all over including 3 years in Japan where they joined a Japanese-American club. Several assignments later, MacDill became home for 7 years. John left in 1965 for a year to serve in Viet Nam and Doris held down the household as she always did. Mom’s favorite move was John’s assignment to the Embassy in Rome for 3 years. She added Italian cuisine to her culinary skills which included her Japanese meals. She was an avid bowler and loved to play golf. Her sewing abilities were amazing as well as knitting and crocheting and needlepoint. Doris was a master at puzzles and wordplay. Doris’s major avocation in addition to raising two girls, and entertaining as an officer’s wife, and chauffeur, was being a leader in their Girl Scout activities. In Italy, she continued to volunteer at Troops on Foreign Soils Girl Scouts and did Leadership training sessions all over Italy. She was appointed to the board and ultimately became the Country Commissioner in Italy for the North Atlantic Girl Scouts. Upon their return stateside, got her Master’s in Human Resources. She enjoyed working for several years after they retired to Tampa. John and Doris moved to University Village in 2003, where she and John served on various committees, and had wonderful friends and experiences. In addition to Linda, she is survived by her “other” daughter Harriet Raitano. Her final assignment was at the Estate at Hyde Park where she really owes special thanks to her private caregivers, Rossie, Christy, Milay, Louisa, and Ana. Flowers are not necessary, but her favorite Charities were Metropolitan Ministries and Meals on Wheels. Visitation will be Monday 5:30-7 at Blount and Curry on S MacDill with a celebration of life after at the adjoining Speakeasy.