Florence Ida Gilchrist's Obituary
Florence Ida Gilchrist, formerly Florence Ida Delano, aged 88 years, passed away at home surrounded by family early Wednesday morning, 12/23/2015. She was the wife of the late Senior Chief Petty Officer (USN) James Walter Gilchrist formerly of North Providence, Rhode Island, and daughter of the late John & Florence Delano, and sister of the late Corrine Delano Donnelly.
Florence was active in the PTA at Stephen Olney Elementary School located in North Providence, R.I. Florence was the proud owner of The Home Beauty Salon in North Providence from 1953 to 1970, and Senior Hairdressing Instructor at Angelo’s School of Hair Design from 1960-1970. She moved to Spring Hill, Florida in 1970.
After moving to Spring Hill, F.L., Florence became a Title 1 Instructor at Westside Elementary School from 1971-1975. She became a permanent substitute teacher at Springstead High School in Hernando Country, Florida from 1975-1978. She was then reinstated as a Title 1 Instructor at Westside Elementary until 1984 when she retired.
Florence was a member of the VFW Auxiliary in Spring Hill as well as the Ladies Fleet Auxiliary of New Port Richey, Florida.
In 2002 she moved to Horseshoe Beach, Florida, where she became president of the Horseshoe Beach Library. She was also a member of the Dixie Divas and volunteered in community activities in Horseshoe Beach.
Florence leaves behind two daughters- Cynthia Nicolini of Spring Hill and Brenda Rodriguez of Spring Hill and Horseshoe Beach, Florida- and two sons- Jack Gilchrist of Pawtucket, Rhode Island and Tom Gilchrist of Manchester, New Hampshire. She also leaves behind four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Viewing and wake services will take place on Wednesday, 30 December from 4-8PM at Grace Memorial Funeral Home, located in Hudson, Florida. Funeral mass will take place Thursday, 31 December at 10AM at St. Theresa Catholic Church located in Spring Hill, Florida. Florence will be laid to rest after the funeral mass at Grace Memorial Gardens, located in Hudson, Florida. There will also be a memorial service on 31 January 2016 at Holy Cross Catholic Church located in Cross City, Florida to celebrate Florence’s life and the love she gave to all.
What’s your fondest memory of Florence?
What’s a lesson you learned from Florence?
Share a story where Florence's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Florence you’ll never forget.
How did Florence make you smile?
