Ms. Florence Elizabeth Kuge

A Life of Strength, Service, and Compassion

Betty (Florence Elizabeth) Kuge 96 , Died on on March 21, 2026, surrounded by her family in Orlando, Florida, after a long and meaningful life defined by resilience, dedication, and care for others. A pioneering nurse, respected leader, and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Betty leaves behind a legacy that touched countless lives.

Born in Salisbury, North Carolina, to parents William W. Eller and Hazel Winecoff . Betty grew up during the hardships of the Great Depression and World War II. At just 12 years old, she began working after school at Woolworth’s to help support her family. Raised in a modest home, she developed a strong work ethic from her mother, whose determination and ingenuity shaped Betty’s character throughout her life.

Betty’s grandmother was the first licensed practical nurse in North Carolina. After high school inspired by her family legacy in nursing, Betty moved to Statesville, North Carolina where she studied nursing at Davis Hospital School of Nursing. Her training exposed her to patients from all walks of life and solidified her lifelong passion for nursing.

After graduating with her nursing degree in August 1951, Betty briefly worked in the surgical ward of a hospital in Greensboro until a fateful trip to Florida to visit a friend. In Titusville, she met Donald, a motorcycle-riding young man who would become her husband. They were married on November 29, 1952 at St. Teresa Mission Church in Titusville, Florida. Their loving marriage endured for 55 years and was blessed with four children—two daughters and two sons—who were the center of their lives.

Betty began her Florida nursing career at Halifax Hospital in Daytona Beach working in pediatrics. She later joined a small medical practice in Titusville, where she gained invaluable experience performing a wide range of duties, including assisting with deliveries, taking X-rays, drawing blood, and making house calls. She often described this time as one of the most meaningful periods of her career.

Eventually, Betty joined Winter Park Memorial Hospital, where she would dedicate more than 35 years of service. Over the course of her distinguished career, she worked in intensive care, obstetrics, and medical-surgical units, and rose to leadership roles including hospital supervisor and Nurse Manager of the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit. In 1973, she became Nurse Manager of the Short Stay Surgery Unit and develop the first ambulatory surgery unit in Central Florida. She later served as Nurse Manager of the Endoscopy Department.

A passionate advocate for nursing excellence, Betty was deeply involved in professional organizations. As a longtime leader in FLASPAN, Betty served in numerous roles including Secretary (3 years), President (1 year), and Seminar Chairperson (3 years). Due to her significant contributions to the organization, she was named as an honorary member of FLASPAN . She was also a charter member of ASPAN, serving as Director from 1985 to 1988, and contributing to national committees that helped shape peri-anesthesia nursing.

Throughout her long career, Betty’s many contributions to nursing were widely recognized. Betty received the President’s Award at Winter Park Memorial Hospital in 1985, was named an Elizabeth Hill, R.N. Fellow at Gardner-Webb College, and was honored as the Carl J. Brunoer, M.D. 1987 Nurse of the Year.

Following her husband Don’s passing in 2007, Betty visited and later moved to Orlando Lutheran Towers in July 2011, where she found comfort, community, and many new friendships. She often shared that, despite the difficulty of leaving a home filled with memories, she came to feel safe and supported, appreciating the many activities and connections she found there.

Betty will be remembered not only for her professional accomplishments, but for her smile, warmth, humor, resilience, and unwavering devotion to her family. She inspired those around her with her strength, kindness, and dedication to helping others.

She is preceded in death by her husband Don. Survived by her children, Lois Cardoso; Joe (Karen) Kuge; Cathy (Rob) Samouce; and Eric (Yuka) Kuge; as well as six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her loving brother William “Bill” Eller, along with two nieces, extended family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.

Viewing will be held on Tuesday April 7, 2026 from 2-4 PM at Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home 7520 Aloma Ave Winter Park, Fl 32792. Mass with Christian Burial will be held at 10:00AM on Wednesday April 8, 2026 at St. James Catholic Cathedral in Downtown Orlando. Burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens Apopka.