Obituary of Doris Emma Florance

Doris E. Florance, 93, of Rochester, NY, passed away on September 15, 2023. She was born on April 15, 1930, in Baltimore, MD, to the late Harry and Emma (Pat) Klein. Doris is preceded in death by her beloved husband, William E. Florance.

Doris had a diverse and fulfilling life. She received her nursing degree from Union Memorial Hospital in 1951.  She later attended Airline Stewardess training school in Cheyenne, WO. pursuing her passion for travel by joining United Airlines as a Stewardess, serving on flights from California to Hawaii. It was in Cheyenne WO that Doris and Bill first met. They were both filling in for someone on a "blind date". This was the beginning of their long marriage. Since Bill was stationed with the USAF Base, their marriage took place in England. Doris boarded the ship alone, from Baltimore, MD to England.  After living for several months in England they returned to the states to settle in Rochester, NY where they welcomed their first child.  

After her marriage, Doris dedicated herself to raising her children and managing her home. In her free time, she volunteered at Perinton Ambulance Core, provided home health care, served as a Girl Scout leader and worked at Second Thoughts. Doris was actively involved in Faith Lutheran Church in Rochester, NY for over 40 years.  She was a member of the Prayer Shawl group, organized memorial receptions at the church and founded the Dorcas Circle.  She had a wide range of hobbies that brought her joy throughout her life. She loved swimming, sewing, bowling, golfing, playing bridge, and gardening.

Doris was known for her gentle and soft-spoken nature, as well as her strong commitment to advocate for issues and people. She showed her love through her actions, always demonstrating kindness and compassion. 

She is survived by her loving daughters, Sharon Maragus (Nick) and Pat Bronson (Peter), her son Bill Florance (Barb), her grandchildren Jen DuBois (John), Ryan Lewis (Erin), Jeff Lewis (Allison), Corrinne Phillips, Amanda Florance (Marty), Nicole Narotsky (Andy), and her great-grandchildren Braedan DuBois, Amelia DuBois, Caitlin Lewis, Owen Lewis, Quinn Lewis, and Sloane Lewis.

Calling hours will be held on September 25 from 4-7 pm at Jennings, Nulton and Mattle Funeral Home in Penfield, NY. The funeral service will take place on September 26, 2023, at 11:00 am at Faith Lutheran Church, followed by a small reception. The service will be livestreamed on the church's website which is www.faithpenfield.org.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Doris may be made to Faith Lutheran Church at 2576 Browncroft Blvd., Rochester, NY 14625.

The family would like to thank the staff at Creekstone Memory Care and Highland Hospital for their compassionate care of Doris in the last months of her life.  The passing of Doris E. Florance leaves a void in the hearts of her loved ones and all who knew her. She will be remembered for her kindness, her devotion to her family and community, and her unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. May her soul rest in eternal peace.