Florence E. Helbling

Born in 1920 in Philadelphia, Pa., God gave Florence 99 years to share her simple yet vibrant spirit with family and friends. She was a devoted mother to Linda Tassone (Renz) and her husband Joseph; beloved grandmother to Stacy L. Tassone and fiancé Donald, Joseph M. Tassone and wife Leah, Debra A. Monaghan and husband Paul; adored great-grandmother of 10: Raymond, Cassidy, Megan, Paulie, Logan, Ashley, Keira, Matthew, Lucas and Lincoln. One of eight children, Florence is survived by her dear sister Mabel (Betty) Callahan along with many nieces and nephews. 

Her employment began during World War II when she worked at Fleet Wings, a company which manufactured parts for wartime airplanes, and was one of the earliest “Rosie the Riveters.” She then taught herself typing and secured a clerical job at Yale & Town where she remained for many years.

Lovingly known as Nanny Flo, Florence, Flo and Flossie, she was a strong woman, firmly grounded in her faith, who was able to live independently until her last few days. Her ‘art room’ was a sanctuary of peace and creativity where she would pass the days happily painting canvas after canvas. Flo's appreciation for color and beauty extended to her always flourishing garden. Her thriving flowers reflected her nurturing spirit and joy of having her hands in the earth—no gloves for her! She was a generous soul whose door was always open to those in need, cats and humans alike.

While navigating the ups and downs of a long, full life, Florence bloomed wherever she was planted. In lieu of donations, we invite you to select and plant flowers this spring to brighten your home in her loving memory.

An open house to celebrate Florence's life will be held at her residence on Sunday, February 16, 2020 from 1-4 p.m. Please reach out to an immediate family member if you need directions.