Rita Mae Maynard-Blyden

Rita Mae Maynard-Blyden, a devoted nurse and tireless community servant, passed away at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa, Florida. Originally from St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Rita later moved to Tampa, where she became a beloved member of the community and a faithful congregant of the Lutheran Church of Our Saviour.

Rita’s life was defined by her passion for healing and helping. A highly accomplished professional, she achieved the impressive feat of obtaining her Registered Nurse license in four jurisdictions: New York, New Jersey, Florida, and her home, the U.S. Virgin Islands. Her career as an RN was marked by the same care and precision that she brought to every aspect of her life.

Even in retirement, Rita’s hands were never idle. Her commitment to service earned her numerous accolades, including the Volunteer of the Year Award from the American Red Cross and the Good Samaritan Award from Lutheran Services in Florida. Her contributions were recognized at the highest levels, receiving multiple certificates of appreciation from various organizations and the Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Rita was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Roy A. Blyden.

Her legacy of kindness and strength lives on through her daughter, Elizabeth J. Maynard, and her sisters, Barbara Weathers, Julian Julius, and Roselyn Blyden. She will be deeply missed by her extended family, her church community, and the many lives she touched throughout her decades of nursing and volunteerism.

A Celebration of Rita's life is be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 11:00am, at the Lutheran Church of Our Saviour, 8401 W. Hillsborough Avenue, Tampa, FL 33615.