Born in Brussels, Belgium into a circus family, Florienne was part of the Theron Cycling Troupe from an early age. The original troupe consisted of her brothers, Billy and Guy, sister-in-law Louise, sister Evelyn and niece Mireille. This was the first European act brought to America by John Ringling after the end of WWII in 1946. A plaque commemorating the Theron family is in the Circus Ring of Fame on St. Armands Circle. In 1946, Florienne married Swedish circus performer, Stig Olson. She moved to Sarasota in 1955 where she raised her two children, Daniel and Michelle.
Florienne loved to cook and entertain and showcased her talents by spending many hours cooking for large numbers of people at the Showfolks in Sarasota. She made the world a better place and will be greatly missed.
A gathering will be held from 10:00 to 11:30 at the Palms-Robarts Funeral Home on Sunday, November 13, 2016 and will be followed by a memorial service beginning at 11:30 am.
