Florence Hesse Obituary

Florence Marie Hesse, age 91, of Colorado Springs passed away on June 22, 2015 with family surrounding her at the home of her daughter in Oregon. Born in 1923 in Herman, Nebraska to Hans Peter and Anna Kristine Johnson, she will be remembered as a much loved wife, mother, and grammy who took great joy in her family and friends.

Florence moved to Washington, DC in 1941where she worked at the Pentagon. In 1942 she relocated to Omaha, Nebraska until moving to Colorado Springs in 1946. Shortly thereafter she met Gilbert Bernard Hesse. They were married Oct. 2, 1948 and raised six children.

Florence was active in the Women's Guild of her church and supported her children in Scouting and their many adventures. She volunteered for over 40 years with the Penrose Hospital Auxiliary, serving a term as President and most recently working in the gift shop. Florence was a wonderful homemaker, photographer , traveler and good friend to many. She will be remembered for her thoughtfulness and generosity.

Florence was preceded in death by her husband, Gilbert, and son Mark. She is survived by sister Mildred Brown, Redmond, OR; children, Jon (Mary) of Livingston, MT; daughter, Anne Ness (Eric) of Beaverton, OR; Paul (Sophie) of Washington, DC; Philip (Rachel) of Idaho Falls; Maria Hesse Vasey of Indianapolis, IN; daughter-in-law Julie of Boulder, CO; and grandchildren Taylor, Hartley, Laurel, Andrea, Stuart, Nicole, Kyra, Philip, Max, Juliet, Andrew, and Samuel.

A celebration of life will be held in Colorado Springs on October 3, 2015 with details to follow. In lieu of flowers or donations the family requests that good and generous deeds be done in Florence's memory.

"Just when the caterpillar thought life was over, she became a butterfly." Florence has spread her wings and they are truly beautiful.