Florence A. Sullivan

Flo bore many titles during her life ... daughter, wife, mother, mother-in-law, & grandmother.
Her favorite? "The Gold Lady"! Adored by jewelry-loving women (and feared by their husbands), Flo brought joy to many when she launched her jewelry business back in the 1970's. Her love of 'bling' (before the word even existed) sparkled with each new piece she bought & presented to her clients. As a mobile business woman, she did her best work in front of the mirrors & bright lights of women's rest rooms in the office buildings where she sold her wares. Much like a milk route, many businesses knew exactly when, each week, The Gold Lady would bring by her latest finds. For nearly 25 years Flo brought happiness to her clients, not only in the form of jewelry, but friendship. She attended their weddings & birthday parties and was considered a co-worker rather than a vendor. Just a few days before she passed away she said, "I need to get to LA. I could use some new jewelry!"

Back in the early 1950's, Just 3-days after her 18th birthday, Flo married Chuck Sullivan. Soon thereafter, The Marines called upon Chuck to serve his bit at Camp Pendleton in CA. Flo joined him after boot camp and they made their home in California after his service ended. Scott arrived first 4 years into their marriage, Jeanine followed 4 years after that.

Flo hated being defined by Type 1 Diabetes, but it's important to note because she was diagnosed at 26 and embraced all its demands and limitations with fervor. With a 4-year-old toddler & a 6-month old baby, she committed to the necessary life-adjustments so that she could live in good health to someday see her oldest grandson reach his 29th birthday.

As the kids grew, Flo ran a tight ship and was an excellent mother, wife, homemaker & cook. All the while our family was known in the neighborhood as the 'fun family'. Flo & Chuck threw frequent, loud parties their friends couldn't wait to attend. In the early 1970's, Chuck & friend Adolph opened Father's in West LA. Essentially a beer bar, but with live music and dancing. Flo & Chuck could be found there every Friday dancing the night away. Later, they fell in love with Country Western Dancing & could be found on the dance floor at least 1 or 2 nights a week! Traveling by motor home, Flo & Chuck saw several sites in CA and even went all the way to Louisiana.

In the 1950's, Flo established the Sullivan Christmas Fudge tradition. After she became a Diabetic, she wouldn't allow herself to eat the fudge, but dutifully made at least a few pounds each year to the delight of family & friends. Her father would help crack fresh walnuts (with his bare hands) and the kids fought over who got to lick the wooden spoon. Jeanine inherited the recipe and has carried on the tradition for the last 35 years.

A self-taught master gardener, Flo could bring back to life any orphaned plant. Many came to her in poor health and ended up living long lives under her care. She adored her garden and could name every flower, bush & vine.

Forever Flobie will be remembered for being fun, feisty and fiercely devoted to her husband, children and friends. We will miss you mom, but, we will never forget your love, your smile, your laugh, your legacy. May you rest in the loving embrace of our Blessed Virgin Mary and her son our Lord Jesus Christ. And, keep dancing until we get there!