Birgit Fillingame, 76, died February 25, 2021, with her family by her side in Lauderdale-By-The Sea, FL. A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, March 13, 2021 from 3:00 - 7:00 at the Kraeer-Fairchild Funeral Home, 4061 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale. Birgit's memorial service and celebration of life will commence at 4:00. The service may also be live streamed. A light meal will be served following the service.
Birgit was born August 11, 1944, in Kiel, Germany to Hans Scheer and Anna Gertrud Hansen nee Blechman. Birgit, her sister Ute, and their mother immigrated to the United States in 1958. They moved to Florida shortly thereafter. Birgit became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1971. Birgit’s mother Trudi, married Harald Hansen on October 3, 1959 and he was a wonderful Papa to Birgit and her sister Ute. The union brought a sister, Marie and a brother, Carl.
Birgit was a 1962 graduate of Titusville (FL) High School and met the love of her life, Bill Fillingame in Atlanta. They married on August 28, 1971 in Orlando and worked together for Budget Rent a Car for a time in that city and in Fort Lauderdale.
In 1984, Birgit and Bill started the Protect A Child Pool Fence Company from their home in Pompano Beach. It grew exponentially into a nationwide company with franchises in many cities. They mostly retired to charitable causes in the early 2000s.
She was an active member and major benefactor of Pinion Inc., being named Woman of the Year in 2004 and served on the Board of Directors. Birgit also supported numerous other charities and good causes.
Her interests included family, travel, the Miami Dolphins, entertaining – in particular, the epic Super Bowl parties -- and spending time with Bill in their beloved mountaintop retreat in North Carolina. She was an avid fisherwoman, and many a summer vacation was spent on their boat with friends exploring the waters of the Bahamas. Birgit was a dynamo and the life of any social gathering!
Birgit is survived by her brother, Harold Hansen of Palm Coast, FL; her sister, Marie Will, of The Colony, TX; brother, Carl Hansen of Margate, FL; Sister-in-law Molly Gray of Gatlinburg, TN; Niece Carmen Simpson and Nephew Karsten Mendoza, both of Euless, TX and numerous great nieces and great nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Bill, and her sister Ute Scheer.
For those who wish to honor Birgit’s memory, the family suggests a donation to Pinion Inc. at http://pinioninc.com/ or Florida Humane Society at http://floridahumanesociety.org/.
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