Elizabeth “Aileen” Bongers
Born May 15, 1937 Auburndale, FloridaDeparted October 17, 2023 in Melbourne, Florida
Elizabeth “Aileen” Bongers of Melbourne, FL, passed away Tuesday, October 17, 2023, from heart complications while recovering from recent surgery. She was 86.
Elizabeth Castleberry was born May 15, 1937 in Auburndale, FL. She was an avid music lover, playing the piano throughout her lifetime and clarinet while in school. After high school, Aileen went to business college and began working at Patrick Air Force Base. She met and then married Robert Bongers in 1960, and they moved to Melbourne in 1967. Aileen was a stay-at-home mom to her 2 children until her beloved husband died in 1981. She then returned to the work force at Harris Corporation, where she was employed for over 25 years.
Aileen was very involved with First Baptist Church of Melbourne, attending regularly and participating in the music programs and Sunday School until her health issues prevented it. She was a season ticket-holder of the Orlando Broadway Series for many years. She loved her music and her piano was never quiet for very long. Aileen also enjoyed gardening, baking, reading, history and being outside. She had a passion for cars that would often surprise those who looked upon her as a rather quiet, Southern lady. Her family was most important to her, and her joy increased tremendously due to her 2 grandsons. Her love and faith in her savior, Jesus Christ, never faltered, and she called upon Him daily for strength. She missed her husband until the end.
Aileen was preceded in death by her parents, Edmund and Bertie Castleberry and her husband, Robert Bongers. She is survived by her beloved sister, Nell Reece; precious sister-in-law, Shirley Engel; her son, Gregory; daughter, Susan Richcreek; son-in-law, Christopher Richcreek; and grandsons Thomas Richcreek and William Richcreek; along with much loved nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank her APRN, Elizabeth Ambrose, who helped Aileen move past her fear of doctors, and her cardiologist, Dr. Leonard Grecul, who helped give the family an almost additional 4 years with their precious mother, sister and Nana.
Visitation will be from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at Brownlie & Maxwell Funeral Home (1010 E. Palmetto Ave., Melbourne, FL 32901)followed by a Celebration of Life at 2 p.m. with burial afterward at Fountainhead Memorial Park (7359 Babcock Street SE, Palm Bay, FL 32909). Flowers will be accepted at Brownlie & Maxwell. Those wishing to make donations in her name can do so to First Baptist Church of Melbourne, FL (3301 Dairy Rd, Melbourne, FL 32904).