Florence Ann Bushnell

Florence Ann Bushnell was born April 10, 1938, to Edwin Norman and Olita Boudreaux Norman. She was raised a devout Roman Catholic in rural Vermillion Parish in the town of Maurice, Louisiana. In 1957 Florence graduated from James A. Herod High School in Abbeville, Louisiana.

In 1961, while visiting with her brothers and sisters in Los Angeles, California, Florence met the love of her life, Gerald Joseph Bushnell, who was a native of Lake Charles, Louisiana. Over a two-year period, the two fell in love while corresponding and visiting with each other whenever Florence returned to Los Angeles to visit with her family.

Following an engagement period, on September 7, 1963, Florence and Gerald married at Saint Albert the Great Catholic Church located in Compton, California. The couple initially resided in Compton, California. In 1964 eldest son Gerry was born followed by Yvette and youngest son Zachary. In 1977 the couple settled in neighboring Carson, California. Founded on her belief that education was of utmost importance, Florence insisted that each of her children receive a Catholic education from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Although Florence resided in California for over 50 years, she always referred to Louisiana as "Home".

Florence was a devout wife, mother, grandmother, and caretaker of family and friends in need. An avid shopper of all things, when she was not out looking for the next "deal" she was thinking of and looking after the needs of her family and friends. Florence was known for her infectious laughter, her love of gardening, cooking, and children. She maintained a colorful garden filled with roses and exotic plants. Her favorite time of the year was the holiday season, as she loved to prepare authentic Louisiana Creole-Cajun cuisine and celebrate with her family and friends.

Never one to shy away from hard work, after formally retiring from gainful employment, Florence opened a day care business caring for children. She found the work both challenging and rewarding.

Florence was preceded in death by her parents and by the following siblings: Roosevelt Norman of Beaumont, Texas, Kerbet Norman of Maurice, Louisiana, Clarence Norman of Houston, Texas, Velma Arceneaux of Los Angeles, California, Rose Roy of Houston, Texas, Dorothy Norman of Los Angeles, California, Sharbet Norman of Los Angeles, California, Wilda Trahan of Kaplan, Louisiana, Hilda Perry of Houston, Texas, and Calvina Welch of Los Angeles, California.

Florence is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Gerald Joseph Bushnell, her 3 children: Gerald J. Bushnell, Jr. and wife Paula, of Chula Vista, California, Yvette Payne and husband Michael, of Chino Hills, California, and Zachary A. Bushnell and wife Christy, of Carson, California; 5 grandchildren: Matthew Bushnell, Alexa Payne, Lauryn Payne, Zachary C. Bushnell, and Savannah Bushnell; 2 brothers: Edwin Norman Jr. of Lafayette, Louisiana, and Herbert Norman of Maurice, Louisiana; 1 sister: Olita Narcisse of La Marque, Texas, and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends throughout the United States.