Maureen Mary Tribou

Maureen Mary Tribou (Miller) passed away on March 31, 2013 following a long bout with cancer. She was the only child of Joseph Larkin and Lillian Mary Miller and was born in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire England on September 2, 1929. She graduated from Teacher Training College and taught school in England, Ireland, and the USA. In 1950 she met husband Eugene “Gene” in England and they married in 1953. Eugene was in the United States Air Force and sadly died in 1984 from MS which he was diagnosed with in 1970. He was bedridden for 13 years and was wonderfully cared for by Maureen. In 1953 Gene and Maureen moved to the States and were posted in Washington DC. There, Maureen had an eye opening experience as she was informed that only blacks were to sit at the back of the bus and if she didn’t move and sit towards the front she would have to get off. In 1954 it was back to England. During the five years there Maureen spent many hours as a Gray Lady at the local Military Hospital. In 1959 Gene was transferred to Orlando Florida, where they both loved wildlife and camping. Maureen taught four years at “Open Air School”, which encouraged plenty of nature studies which she enjoyed. She decided to continue her education and enrolled in Rollins College’s evening classes. She graduated with an AA in 1976, a BA in 1979, and in 1981 received her Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice all with Honors. She started the cosmopolitan Club and was their first president. Maureen found tremendous joy in all forms of art, music, and loved to paint. The family settled in Orlando, Florida in 1967. After Gene’s retirement in 1970, they made Orlando their home. Maureen became very busy in all types of programs such as Victims Advocate, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and attended art classes at Rollins. In 1991 she joined the Orlando Garden Club and was an active member. She was a past President, Circle President, Community Chairman plus many other chairmanships. She was also on the board of District VII and the State Board. The District VII Wildflower Club gave her much joy as she loved anything to do with nature. She also became a State Flower Show Judge. She always found peace and contentment in her garden and spent many hours tending her plants. Maureen loved St. John Vianney Church and was extremely active in many ministries. She was a Lector, EMHC, ,served on the Liturgy Planning Team and Commission Team, Parish Council, Ministry to the Sick and Hospitality. She is survived by three children, Susan Read, Larkin Tribou, Lisa Aleman, seven grandchildren, Christin, Carolyn, Andrew, Alicia, Taylor, Sydney and Joseph and three great grandchildren, Brittany, Kalen and Stepahnie. She was proud of all their accomplishments. Finally the newest additions to the family were her two great great grandchildren, Tanner and Tyson. The family has graciously asked that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St John Vianney Church 6200 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, Also a huge “ thanks” is sent out to the Employees at MD Anderson Cancer Center and Cornerstone Hospice for the wonderful care they gave during the past years.

Maureen Mary Tribou

September 2, 1929 - March 31, 2013