Florence Sylvester, 98

Service for Florence Sylvester is scheduled for April 29, 11 a.m. at the Ball and Dodd funeral home, W. 5100 Wellesley Ave., Spokane, followed by burial at Fairmont Cemetery. Florence died peacefully April 12 at age 98 with her family by her side. She was born March 26, 1925, to Arvid and Leda Johnson in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. She was joined by a sister Rose and a brother Vern. Florence made her choice at the age of 10 to serve God and was faithful to that choice all the days of her life.

She moved to Spokane when she married Bill Sylvester on July 13, 1946. Prior to marriage, she worked at Anderson Dam in S. Idaho, Tom E. Day Optometry in Spokane, and later at Old National Bank. Her true happiness came from being a wife and a mother. She loved to garden, and was a member of a local garden club; she shared her love of cooking and entertaining with five generations. She obtained her private pilot license in her 40s. In later years, she and Bill spent time traveling and cruising extensively with friends and family. Her favorite destination was Sweden, where she maintained relationships with many cousins. Even in the days prior to death, she would often comment, “Where’s our next trip?”

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, her parents, her sister, Rose, and three infant siblings. She leaves behind her beloved family, two daughters: Diana (Mel) Nottage of Coeur d’Alene, and Kathlyn Springer of Spokane; four grandchildren: Ronda (Jake) Williamson, Amy Ross of Coeur d’Alene, Heidi (Leon) Cooke of Chandler, Ariz., and Adam (Lindsay) Springer of Spokane. She has nine great-grandchildren: Emma and Magnus Williamson, Marisa MacDonald, Andrea Rhuby, Jalen Doss; Beckett, Wyatt and Baylor Cooke and Bentley Springer; three great-great-grandchildren: Annika, Ava and Hunter Hasek; her brother, Vern Johnson and numerous nieces and nephews. Her greatest joys were serving God and the love of her family; she leaves behind a wonderful legacy and example.

The family wishes to acknowledge Hospice of North Idaho and suggests donations can be made there in lieu of flowers.