Florence Helen Southern

Florence Helen Southern passed away peacefully on 10/30/2019 surrounded by family and love. She was 87 years young. Florence is survived by her sister Helen Ehmcke, children James Southern and Stephanie Southern White, grandchildren Shalako, Jenna, Jesse, and Cody, great grandsons Lucas and Bodhi.

Mom was fiercely proud of her Greek heritage. As a 1st generation American she understood the real struggle to fit in both worlds. Her parents taught her that if you work hard, and be a lady, she could find her place, and be successful. In her eyes a lady always kept herself and home clean and beautiful, was a great cook, loyal to friends and family, and be counted on to step up and do your best at all times. You crushed that Mom. Well done.

In a time when most women did not work outside the home, she had a distinguished 44 year career at the Naval Base in Point Loma.  She also volunteered on the NARF board and organized numerous parties and events which were legendary for their class, style, and good times. Just like you Mom. Well done.

After retirement she didn’t retire from life. She found her 2nd career with the RSVP for 15 years. Starting out first on patrol she later became the office coordinator. Mom loved serving with the officers and for her community. One of the programs that she was most proud of was You Are Not Alone or YANA for elderly shut-ins. When it became her time to be in the program her dear volunteers visited her weekly too.  She always appreciated that and knew she had not been forgotten.

The last 4 years of her life were not easy. As she battled pulmonary fibrosis, she told us she had a lot of time to think and had made peace with her past. We saw her inner qualities of patience, kindness and forgiveness deepen as she accepted her present circumstances. And yet she found a measure of joy in each day. Our profound respect for her, not only as our Mom, but as a person, grew.

We love you. We miss you so much. We look forward to seeing you again in the resurrection.

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