Mary Ellen "Maureen" HANSMA

HANSMA, Mary Ellen

(Caples) "Maureen"

75, passed away November 4, 2016 at Melech Hospice House in Tampa. A lifelong educator, Maureen was born to Patrick and Kathleen Caples in Somerville, MA, August 22, 1941. She is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, David; her son, Peter (Donna); her daughters, Jerri (Jeff) and Alison; her brothers, Stephen (Theresa), William (Julie); two nieces, two nephews; and six grandchildren. Maureen graduated with a Master's in Education from Boston State College and started her teaching career in her home town of Somerville. Soon after she accepted a position teaching in Japan for the Department of Defense where she met her husband, David, then an Air Force pilot and widower with three children, whom she accepted in her heart and raised as her own. Upon their return to the United States in 1969, the family moved to Tampa, where she began a 35 year career at St. Lawrence Catholic School, starting as a first grade teacher and culminating with 19 years as principal. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 9, from 6-9 pm at Boza and Roel Funeral Home, 4730 N. Armenia Ave., a Funeral Mass for the repose of her soul will be celebrated at 10 am Thursday, November 10, at St. Lawrence Church, Tampa, FL followed by interment at 2 pm at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to St. Lawrence School, Tampa.