She was loved by all and answered to many names; Mildred, Mimi, Mom and Nana. She was preceded in death by her parents, LTC (ret) David and Mildred Birney and sisters, Laurie Lynn Batt and Colleen Gandara. She is survived by her son David and daughter Trish and Pat Espinoza. She was Nana to 5 grandchildren, Scott and Elizabeth Espinoza, K.C. and Calvin Griffin III, Mica and David Short, Patrick and Crystal Espinoza and Judi and Rue Stone,19 great grandchildren and 4 great- great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Mary Lou Birney and was Aunt Mimi to her special nieces and nephews.
Caring for her family and friends was Mimi’s life and legacy.
Mimi and Bob retired to El Paso in 1970 to be close to her parents after a lifetime serving in the U.S. Army. As an Officer’s wife, she worked with Bob through his military and retirement careers. She was a full-time homemaker, volunteer, and friend holding down the fort while Bob was on deployment and providing support to the families in the units under Bob’s command. As an Army brat, Army wife, Army mother and Army widow, she was as much a Veteran as Bob was and she proudly wore her patriotism all her life.
She was a member of the Military Order of World Wars (MOWW), the Society of Military Widows, the Daughters of the Nile (El Maida Shrine) and the El Paso Newcomers Club. She also participated with the El Paso Apartment Association, the El Paso Republican Party and the Sun Bowl Association. As a devout Catholic, she attended Mass at the Chapel at Beaumont. She was active in society, had hundreds of friends around the world and lived life to the fullest. Her laugh was one of a kind.
Mimi’s greatest passion was her family and she spent all of her free time attending events with her children and grandchildren. Until her last days, she attended volleyball games, school presentations and made cakes for every event.
She passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family. There are no words to express how much she will be missed and loved for eternity.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 9th at 5:00 pm with a Rosary at 7:00 pm at Kaster-Maxon and Futrell Funeral Home at 8817 Dyer.
Mass will be held on Monday, September 10th at 12:00 noon at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church at 10000 Pheasant Road. Internment will follow at Fort Bliss National Cemetery.
In celebration of her life, guests are encouraged to wear red, white or blue.
Donations may be made to Wounded Warriors or the Ambrosia Guillen Texas State Veterans Home in her honor.
