Doris McBRIDE, of Tampa, FL, died December 29, 2011 at Melech Hospice House of complications from Diabetes. She was born in New York to Joseph & Augusta Sappelsa.Doris married Jerry McBride of New York and celebrated 52 wonderful years and remained a loving partner.They moved to Florida in 1966 and moved to Tampa in 1982. Doris was not your average homemaker. She raised three successful children, Steve, Debbie & Ken. She was the number one mom on the block whom all the kids admired, sought advice, and help with projects, sports, homework, etc. Doris and Jerry also won multiple awards for whole house Christmas Lighting displays year after year. Each year they would come up with a new Christmas display project to build, and add it to the 150,000 + lights that they, family and neighbors lovingly would put up each year for everyone young and old to enjoy. When asked why she does it, she would always reply "Just to see the smiles on everyone's faces when they come to see it". Doris loved animals. Her favorites were long haired AKC Collies, African Grey Parrots and Exotic Tropical Fish.She proudly served as an officer of the Miami Aquarium Society for 3 years and produced a very successful monthly newsletter that was distributed over multiple States. Doris is survived and loved by her husband Jerry; Children: Steve (Annie), Debbie (Ed) & Ken (Sandra); Grandchildren: Melissa, Christopher, Tyler, Mitchell & Paisley; Brothers: Joe, Carl & Gus. Her family and loved ones will miss her dearly and will someday reunite in Heaven.A memorial service to celebrate her life will take place 2:00 P.M. Saturday, January 14, 2012 at the chapel of MacDonald Funeral Home, 10520 North Florida Avenue. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service.

In lieu of flowers, send memorial contributions to the American Diabetes Association (diabetes.org)