Ann Florence (Orlando)

It is with deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Ann (Orlando) Florence on September 9, 2011. Born in Hartford on July 23, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Peter Orlando and Rose (Natale) Orlando Gesualdi. She was also the beloved stepdaughter of the late Nicholas Gesualdi. Ann was predeceased by her loving husband of 58 years, Joseph K. Florence. She was a devoted communicant of Sacred Heart Church, a member of the Sacred Heart Women’s Club and a longtime volunteer at the House of Bread shelter. Ann was a beautiful person with a loving and gentle spirit. She loved to read and enjoyed playing cards with her family and close circle of friends. She delighted in cheering on her grandchildren in their various athletic pursuits, concerts, recitals and academic achievements. Her love of reading was passed along to her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed family trips to Maine in the summer and was an avid UConn women’s basketball fan who faithfully followed their games. After her retirement from the State of CT, visits from family and friends were precious and she delighted in staying in touch with out-of-state grandchildren through her grandma pen pal network. Ann enjoyed the beach but her home pool was a favorite gathering place for family parties and birthday celebrations. Above all her greatest joy was spending time with her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ann is survived by her 5 loving children, Judy Williams, Janet Boucher and her husband Dennis and Jean Tolisano, all of Wethersfield, Joann Talbot and her husband Kenneth of Middletown and Joseph Florence, Jr. and partner Robert Horlick of San Diego, CA; 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. She also leaves her sister, Lorraine Schuberth and her very loving and supportive family. She was predeceased by her son-in-law, Richard Tolisano and nephew Thomas Schuberth. Mom, when we look at you we see a beautiful woman, both inside and out. Our mother was blessed with a strong network of friends and family members and we are forever grateful for their support during her final months. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the extremely supportive staff at Maple View Manor and to the Hospice staff at Masonicare for their kindness and professionalism during her illness.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday (September 12) at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 56 Hartford Avenue in Old Wethersfield (everyone is asked to go directly to the church). Burial will follow in Village Cemetery in Old Wethersfield. Family and friends may call on Sunday from 2-5 p.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield. Donations in Ann’s memory may be made to Sacred Heart Church, 56 Hartford Ave., Wethersfield, CT 06109. For online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.desopo.com