Florence “Maureen” Gallardo

**Obituary for Florence “Maureen” Mary Gallardo**

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Florence “Maureen” Mary Gallardo. On September 18, 2025, at the ripe young age of 89, she left this world peacefully, surrounded by her family who loved her and fell into the hands of her loving God, whom she cherished and trusted.  Born on May 7, 1936, in the Bronx borough of New York City, Maureen dedicated her life to her family, her passions, and her beloved community in Hamilton, Ohio, though the New Yorker in her always remained.

Maureen was a devoted wife to her beloved husband, Vicente “Vince” Gallardo for 65 years, and a nurturing mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her daughter Kathleen (Thomas) Schaefer, her sons Vinny (Pearl) Gallardo and Ramon (Kelly) Gallardo, and her son-in-law Mark Phlipot, along with a cherished family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she adored deeply. She leaves behind her grandchildren: Jessica (Sam) Bivens, Justin Phlipot, Eric (Ally) Phlipot, Jonathan Gallardo, Hannah Gallardo, Joelle Gallardo, Olivia (Matthew) Faig, Caroline (Thomas) Lebens, Sarah (Cory) Kontny, Liz (Will Godfrey) Gallardo, and Emily (Jake Barnes) Gallardo, as well as her great-grandchildren: Julian Bivens, Estella Bivens, Lindsey Faig, Melanie Faig, and Robert James Kontny; and niece, Lydia (Jeff) Trom. 

Maureen was preceded in death by her daughter, Estelle Phlipot, her parents, James and Nora McNally, aunt, Anne Connor, brother, Jim (Madge) McNally, and nephew, Michael McNally.

A multifaceted talent, Maureen wore many hats throughout her life. She was a writer of short stories, award winning non-fiction and rousing letters to the editor that were published in Time, Newsweek, and the local papers.  In addition, she was a successful playwright, and her works were thoughtfully produced locally and in California and Florida, with one of her plays winning first prize in a national playwright competition.  And while those productions were noteworthy and gratifying, what sticks in the minds of her children was her perseverance to keep on writing in the face of the inevitable rejection and disappointment writers typically experience. This same quality was also evident when she challenged herself to go back to school, decades after high school, and earned a scholarship and an associate’s degree in English literature from Miami University. Community service was another cornerstone of her life; she served as Den Mother for the Cub Scouts and was the founder and president of the Millikin Woods Preservation Association, which made its case all the way to the Ohio Supreme Court.  An avid reader, Maureen found joy in knowledge and the written word, especially European history.  In her later years she traveled throughout Europe with her husband and was thrilled to finally encounter places and cultures that she had earlier just read about. Back home she nurtured the rocky ground with homemade compost and mulch to produce a garden of roses, daffodils, tulips and peonies.  She was a faithful parishioner of the Queen of Peace church for all of the time she lived in Hamilton and prayed faithfully for those in need, especially for her children and grandchildren.

A tragic fall in 2021 left her with a traumatic brain injury, and though she never recovered from that, her tenacity and faith were still evident.  The aides who helped in her care and whom her family is so grateful for, marveled at her strength even in that impaired condition.

Beyond her creativity, activism, and tenacity, it is her kindness, however, that is her enduring legacy. Every person, whether family, friend or stranger, and every dog or cat that entered her home was the blessed recipient of her kindness and acceptance.  Her kind heart will forever inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 3^rd, 2025 from 4:00-7:00pm at the Arlington Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 2155 Compton Road, Cincinnati, OH 45231 (Follow the BLUE line). A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, October 4^th, 2025 at 9:30am at St. Ann Church of Groesbeck, 2900 W. Galbraith Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45239. Burial will follow at 11:00am at the Arlington Memorial Gardens, 2145 Compton Road, Cincinnati, OH 45231.

Donations can be made to the Hospice of Cincinnati in Maureen’s honor at https://hospiceofcincinnati.org/donate/.