Mary Elaine Herring Litschgi

93, of Tampa, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 20th, 2016. Born April 4, 1923 in Hammond, Louisiana, to Faye B. Herring and Emmett Anthony Herring. She was the sister of Colonel Emmett Herring, Jr., deceased. Elaine was a graduate of Louisiana State University. At LSU, Elaine was a member of Chi Omega sorority and was involved with the organization for over 75 years. After graduation, Elaine worked for Congressman Hale Boggs, and upon his death, she continued her work for the people of Louisiana with Lindy Boggs. While in Washington, Elaine was crowned Cherry Blossom Queen and met her future husband, Byrne Litschgi of Tampa. They were married in Hammond on September 13, 1952 and recently celebrated their 64th anniversary. Subsequently, they returned to Washington D.C. to live in Georgetown for several years. Elaine and Byrne returned to Tampa in 1963 and lived in New Suburb Beautiful with their daughter, Kathleen Marie, and son, Albert Byrne. Elaine was involved in numerous charitable organizations, including The Junior League of Tampa, The University of Tampa Chiselers and Lamplighters. As a long-time supporter of Metropolitan Ministries, she was honored as a Legacy Champion of Hope. Elaine enjoyed her summers in Cashiers, North Carolina, where she was an avid bird watcher and golfer. Her passion was traveling the globe with her loving husband and spending time with her family. Elaine is survived by her children, Kathy Litschgi McElwaney and Albert Byrne Litschgi, Jr., her grandchildren, Victoria Litschgi, Byrne Litschgi, Brett Litschgi, David McElwaney and Daniel McElwaney. The family greatly appreciates the care of the nurses, caregivers and staff of The Estate of Hyde Park, Harmony Healthcare and Hospice. A prayer service will take place on Friday, September 30th at 6pm with a visitation to follow from 6:30pm-8pm at Blount & Curry Funeral Home, 605 S. MacDill Ave. The funeral mass will be on Saturday, October 1st at 11am at Christ the King Catholic Church with interment to follow at Myrtle Hill Cemetery. Donations can be made in her memory to Metropolitan Ministries, Lifepath Hospice or Christ the King Church.