Florence Mary Welsh

Portland: Florence Welsh of Huntington Avenue, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2014, after a brief Illness, surrounded by loved ones.

Born in Shanghai, China on February 5, 1927, Florence was the 9th of 10 children born to Percy and Annie Symons. The Symonses understood the value of learning the ways of the west. Her father adopted a western name and made sure that all of his children learned English and pursued careers.

Florence actively witnessed World War II. She and her entire family were interned by the Japanese military during World War II following Japan’s occupation of China, for the duration of the war. Surviving that ordeal impacted Florence greatly, giving her a strength and resiliency that served her well during her lifetime.

Following the end of the war, the Symonses returned to their family home. In 1946, Florence met and fell in love with Joseph Edward Welsh, a Mainer, Cheverus valedictorian and MIT graduate, and engineer with the Army Corps of Engineer stationed in China. Florence and Joe were married in Shanghai in 1948, and then traveled extensively for Joe’s career. Around this time, the Symons family, aware of the impending communist takeover of China, emigrated to Hong Kong.

The Welshes eventually settled in Portland, where they raised their four children: Geoffrey, Sheila, Patricia and Joseph Jr. Religion and faith were a central part of the Welsh family – all four kids attending local catholic schools. Florence was a long time member of the Chestnut Street United Methodist Church and later the Clark Memorial Methodist Church.

Among her accomplishments during her life, Florence would first list being a wife and mother, her career as an operator/clerk with the phone company – positions she held for over 20 years, serving on various boards and leadership positions at the Chestnut Street United Methodist Church (including being a member of the Board of Trustees), serving the community for decades as a volunteer at the Wayside Evening Soup Kitchen, since its inception through 2013, as well as several years of service delivering food for the Meals on Wheels program.

A creative person, Florence enjoyed knitting, sewing and playing cards as well as travelling the world, including China, Europe, the Middle East, and most recently, to Alaska and the Grand Canyon with her daughter Patricia and her family. However, her greatest joy following her retirement was spending time with and nurturing her grandchildren. Florence was a gifted and caring mother and grandmother, cherished by her children and grandchildren.

Florence was predeceased by her parents, 8 of her siblings, and her husband Joe. She is survived by her sister, Ann Smurthwaite of London and Bangkok, son Geoffrey Welsh (Portland), daughter Sheila Nichols and her husband Peter (South Portland), daughter Patricia Lesniak and her husband John (Falmouth), son Joseph Jr. and his wife Lauren (Portsmouth, NH), and her 10 grandchildren: Matthew, Philip and Nathan (Welsh); Joseph, Thomas and Krysia (Lesniak); Michael (Nichols); Charlotte, Julia and Ben (Welsh). Florence was blessed to have her loving family and friends in her life, including the “girls” from the phone company, the Red Hatters, and fellow members of her church. A true and loyal friend, Florence maintained lifelong friendships with three of her childhood friends from Shanghai. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a time of visitation on Tuesday March 11, 2014 from 4 to 7 P.M. at the Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home 199 Woodford St. Portland, Maine. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday March 12, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. in the Clark Memorial United Methodist Church 15 Pleasant Ave. Portland, Maine. Interment will immediately follow at the Calvary Cemetery in South Portland, Maine. On-line condolences can be given to the family at www.jonesrichandhutchins.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in Florence’s honor can be made to an organization dear to her heart: Wayside Food Programs at PO Box 1278, Portland, Maine, 04104 or www.waysidemaine.org