FLORENCE R. FEDERICO (nee Grand) age 93, beloved wife for 70 years of the late Joseph; loving mother of Joseph A. (deceased), Susan (partner Gayle Wieand), Thomas (wife Rev. Debra), and Annette Federico (husband Charles Dotas); devoted grandmother of Lauren Federico (husband Sean Murphy), Matthew and Tyler and great-grandmother of Miles Patrick Murphy; cherished daughter of the late Joseph and Rose (nee Grassie) Grand; dearest sister of the late Frank Grand (wife Edith, deceased), Beatrice Herasuta (husband Michael, deceased) and Michael Grand (wife Frances, deceased); dear aunt and great-aunt of many. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Florence to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Florence was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on September 24, 1925, and passed away on August 22, 2019, one month before her 94th birthday. She spent the first years of her life in Collinwood, and lived in South Euclid for the rest. The house she and her husband, Joe, shared for nearly 60 years was a beacon of hospitality for family and friends, the center for holidays, birthdays, and celebrations of every description. Flo’s life was her family, and Flo’s kitchen was always open, whether for “drinks and nibbles” or fabulous Italian meals. She was a gregarious woman who loved bridge and several varieties of rummy; she really liked to compete – and to win. When the kids no longer needed her undivided attention, Flo took up golf and made many new friends. She followed the Cleveland Indians faithfully for countless seasons, in what can only be called a love-hate relationship. She was a political junkie and progressive in her thinking to the end of her life. Strong-minded, frank, practical, and forward-looking, Florence was a very caring person, open-handed, warm, and sympathetic. She was uniquely endearing to everyone who knew her. She was never fake, never phony or pretentious––she was, inimitably, Flo.
Cremation by DeJohn Crematory. Graveside Service Saturday, September 21, 2019 at 11 AM at Lake View Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Florence at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF SOUTH EUCLID, 4600 MAYFIELD RD. (just east of Green Rd.) FRIDAY from 4-8 PM.
Charity Name: ST JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL
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Margaret Byrne
Fred,
So sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. I remember her being so friendly and warm. You’ll be in my prayers.
Tom
Thanks, Mrs. Byrne. Hope you’re doing well.
Howard Feldenkris
Mrs. Federico was a warm and wonderful woman! It was hard not to leave Joe and Flo in anything but a happy mood. Our sincerest condolences to the Family.
The Feldenkris Family
John And Sue Walz
Tom and Deb, Tyler, Matt,Lauren,
Words can’t describe what a wonderful person Florence was to me and everyone. She felt like a second mom to me growing up. The home on Felton was such a great place to be when Flo and Joe were around. I miss those days, and the great family feeling, the awesome pizza and the Cavazons! We will miss her so very much.
John and Sue
Tom
Howard & Nancy –
Appreciate your kind words. Accurate, too! Thanks.
Tom
John & Sue –
You captured the feeling of the kitchen. I don’t think you had ever seen anyone cut pizza with a scissors before. I guess it’s old school. We’ll miss her, too. Thank, my friends.
Carole Ferreri Usaj ( and Joe)
Sue Tom and Annette
Your mom was the best! Sorry for your loss. She had a life well lived! She was the best “campfire girls leader”!
Sorry to miss her funeral and to see all of you. I’ll be out of the country during that time. My prayers to all of your family.
Susan
Thank you SO MUCH — Sorry to miss you.
Holly Federico Crowther
Our Aunt Flo was the best. Sitting on the red banquette in her kitchen with my cousins is a wonderful memory from my childhood. She was a straight shooter – something I always admired about her and she kept her “Flo-ness” always. Hers was a life well lived.
Susan
Thanks, Cousin. That red bench was witness to a lot in Flo’s kitchen!
Michael Federico
… End of an incredible era for our family.
SO looking forward to another round of family album surfing at 1560…
Valerie Federico
What a dear heart! I feel sad for those who won’t get the chance to be apart of her love of family, friends, neighbors, bridge, cards, cooking, feeding nibbles to anyone coming into her kitchen, laughing, sharing her time and life to make all feel warmly accepted and nurtured. Our family, each and everyone, is a better person because Aunt
Flo was in our lives sharing her goodness and generosity and love. Aunt Flo will be dearly missed but will live forever in our hearts!
Susan
Beautifully said, Valerie. Thank you so much for being such a friend to mom over the years with your cards, letters and love. She cared about you and your family very much!!
Rosemary & Rich
Dear Aunt Flo,
The love of family was all about you! I’ll miss our talks and get-togethers.
Your care and concern were so important to me and my family….so many
wonderful memories. The end of an era!
God Bless You all with peace in her memory.
Our love and deepest sympathy,
Rosemary & Rich
Susan
Thank you both for those lovely thoughts. Mom loved spending time with you these last several years…local and long distance! Love to all.
Kris Amendola
Dear Family and Friends of Aunt Flo,
We will miss seeing and hearing about the Aunt Flo. She was an amazing lady and will be remembered always. The best thing about her was the way she always made you feel like you were the most important person in the room. (She was a great cook too!) Her love for family and her youthful attitude were contagious. Wishing you all peace and comfort during this difficult time.
With Love, Kris, Rich, Jack & Mikey Amendola
Susan
Thanks so much to all. We loved seeing Rosemary and Rich last weekend and hearing how everyone on your branch of the family tree is doing.
Nancy Chatham
Tom and pastor Debbie
I am so sorry to hear the passing of your lovely mother!
Prayers for you guys
Debbie
Thank you Nancy. We are grateful for your prayers.
Amy Federico-Young
My deepest condolences to all that knew Aunt Flo. She and Uncle Joe were amazing. Memories of being in their kitchen, basement, and backyard playing bocce always bring a smile to my face. And we can’t forget playing Thumper. I cherish those times and all of our family gatherings. I loved spending time with them when they would winter in Naples – oh, the laughs and the stories. I am truly blessed and grateful for being a part of their family. Love and hugs to all of you,
Bill, Amy, Dominic & Christina
Susan
Thanks so much, Amy. We hope we gave her a send off worthy of all the memories so many have shared with us! Happy to have your mom here to “represent” the Naples contingent. Best to your family.