Maureen Bernadette Bonistalli

July 20, 1947 - September 2, 2022
Maureen Bernadette Bonistalli

Gifts & Memorial Donations

Maureen Bernadette Bonistalli age 75 of Port Richey, Florida died peacefully at home on September 2, 2022 surrounded by her husband and son after battling a long illness.  Maureen was the oldest of three children and spent her career as a Language Arts teacher preparing her eighth grade students for high school.  Maureen’s crowning achievement was her family; her husband, son, daughter-in-law, and her two lovely granddaughters.  Maureen was an optimistic person who never complained when life threw her a curve.  One of the greatest lessons she taught her family was never to ask “Why me?”  Whatever came her way, she accepted with grace and moved forward in a positive manner.  She was never a complainer, a true fighter.   Maureen had a quick wit and beautiful smile.  She is survived by her husband and best friend Don of forty four years, her loving son Brian, daughter-in-law Jordan, her beautiful granddaughters Grace and Emilia, brother Kevin (Julie) O’Hara, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  She was preceded in death by her brother Hugh (Kathleen) O’Hara.  Maureen’s funeral Mass will take place at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 5340 High Street New Port Richey, Florida 34652 on Wednesday September 21, 2022 at 10:00am.  In lieu of flowers voluntary donations may be made to the Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation in Tampa, Florida or to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105-9959


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  • January 26, 2023
    Brian Bonistalli says:
    Bye mom That's what I said at five years old The first day of school Already then I thought I was way too cool I thought I had it figured out And I didn't know a thing Bye mom Don't worry 'bout me, I'll see you at Three at the bus stop And I know that you'll be right there to pick me up In the old truck I know that's just the way it is When you think you grown but you're still a kid And you don't know you're somebody That somebody loves more than themselves And there's a beauty in the innocence Of not knowing that the time they've spent Is more than one could ask for And that's a special kind of love And it's only there for a lifetime, then it's gone And it's bye mom You can drop me off down the block Around the corner square Oh, my bud is waiting for me just over there I'll see you later on Bye mom It's a cap and a gown in a brand new town Eight hours away Don't cry, I'll be okay I know that's just the way it is When you think you grown but you're still a kid And you don't know you're somebody That somebody loves more than themselves And there's a beauty in the innocence Of not knowing that the time they've spent Is more than one could ask for And that's a special kind of love And it's only there for a lifetime, then it's gone And it's bye mom And bye mom, I sang a million Mornings at the Brine Street baptist church And bye mom, I waited hours and hours 'Til she got off of work And bye mom, I stood and cried and Laid a rose onto her grave And bye mom, were the last words That I spoke before we sang Amazing Grace I know that's just the way it is When you're all grown up but you're still a kid And you realize you're somebody That somebody loves more than themselves And there's a beauty in the innocence Of not knowing that the time they've spent Is more than one could ask for And that's a special kind of love And it's only there for a lifetime, then it's gone It's only there for a lifetime, then it's gone And it's bye mom Yeah, bye mom Songwriters: Brandon Lynn Kinney, Chris Janson.

  • December 26, 2022
    Don Bonistalli says:
    My dear Maureen; This is our first Christmas that we won't be together. Our condo is missing that special "Christmas Touch" you gave it. Just know that I love you with all my heart and soul. Your loving husband---Don

  • December 21, 2022
    Brian Bonistalli says:
    I still miss you every day. Have a Merry Christmas! I love you to the moon and back.

  • December 14, 2022
    Susan M. Cunningham says:
    Maureen and I were best friends beginning in sixth grade. We attended Mass together every weekday of lent and participated in many school activities. I was always happy meeting her for dinner and doing ‘status’ checks after our children grew up. I remember how thrilled she was to have Brian and her beautiful grandkids. They made her life complete. I will miss her sooo much.

  • September 21, 2022
    Connie Kraus says:
    Rest in peace my friend.

  • September 21, 2022
    Connie Kraus lit a candle:
    Lit since September 21, 2022 at 9:48:38 AM

  • September 18, 2022
    Don Bonistalli says:
    My darling Maureen, You were the perfect wife, soulmate, best friend, mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother to Grace ind Emilia. I love and miss you with all my heart. You always told Grace and Emilia that you loved them "to the moon and back." We will do what you want of us when thinking of you; smile, love, and try to go on. Your loving husband--Don

  • September 16, 2022
    Christine Costabile says:
    Maureen was such a positive role model in my life. Even though I only worked with her for one year, we remained friends. I was lucky to know her. Thinking of you Don!

  • September 16, 2022
    Don Bonistalli says:
    My dear Maureen, You are and will continue to be the love of my life, best friend, and soulmate. Words can't describe the emptiness that I feel. But like you always told our granddaughters Grace and Emilia, "I will live you to the moon and back." Your loving husband---Don

  • September 14, 2022
    Brian Bonistalli says:
    Mom, You look stunning as always in your picture. I hope you like the words dad and I put together for you. It has been a crazy ride the past two years. I am so happy we were able to spend the bulk of it together. I hope you are sipping on an umbrella drink enjoying your eternal peace. Hopefully it’s like Christmas everyday. Dad and I are doing our best here at the casa del Bonistalli. We miss you like crazy. Dad is still watching air disasters on TV. We had a little HGTV on, but we also watched 18 hours of football as well. What did you think of Denver’s decision to kick the 64 yard field goal? Thank you for being the best mom I could have asked for. I promise to continue to be kind, gentle, determined, and thankful. The old man and me will always keep a light on in our hearts for you. A son’s first and last love is always his mother. The girls miss you like crazy but I promise to always talk about you with them and if I get any lip, it will be book reports, grout cleaning, and the white glove test!

  • September 14, 2022
    Brian Bonistalli says:
    Mom, It has been a crazy ride. I’m happy that you are at peace. Enjoy it! Have a few for the old man and me. We miss you deeply, but we are trying to stay groovy with a smile on our faces. Please do not worry, all Maureen protocols are/will being followed to the “T”. Dad and I did watch 12 hours of football Sunday. I would be curious on your thoughts regarding Denver’s 64 yard field goal attempt. I’d went for the 1st down. Thank you for being the best mother I could have asked for. I am glad we had the time we did with each other. What a warrior you are. Chuck Norris has nothing on you! I promise that both your boys will live life to the fullest, smile everyday, and cherish your wisdom, kindness, determination, and grace. There will always be a special place in my heart for you. The girls say hi and they miss you terribly. You will always be my first and last love!

  • September 14, 2022
    Harry & Sylvia Scrivener says:
    Condolences to the family. She touched many lives and will be missed.

  • September 14, 2022
    Harry & Sylvia Scrivener lit a candle:
    Lit since September 14, 2022 at 9:28:27 AM

  • September 14, 2022
    Noreen Wishart lit a candle:
    Lit since September 14, 2022 at 9:14:19 AM

  • September 13, 2022
    Natalie Estes lit a candle:
    Lit since September 13, 2022 at 9:39:42 PM

  • September 13, 2022
    Jordan says:
    Maureen was the cornerstone of our family, a role model, a perfect Grandmother and the best Mother. Her presence will be missed by all that loved her.

  • September 13, 2022
    James M Willms says:
    IJHS-----NOW AND FOREVERMORE

  • September 13, 2022
    Nancy hamilton says:
    We were so lucky to call her friend. She was a kind person and travel companion. She will be missed.