I am sorry to learn of the death of your mother.

Though I never had the privilege of working with Florence in the same school, as a member of the District 25 Family from the 70s through 2004, I was well aware of Florence's kindness and her gift to education.  After retiring, I had a conversation with Florence regarding the work I was doing on pulling together my family's history. She thoughtfully invited me to come to the Arlington Heights Library on one of the days that she was volunteering and introduced me to a friend of hers who was the expert in genealogy.  I will always be grateful to Florence for recognizing yet another way that she could be helpful to others.  She was, indeed, a very lovely person.  My sincere condolences to her family and friends.

Kathy Bolsinger

Florence was a very special person and a very special aunt to me.  From the time I was a child on a farm in North Dakota I remember the family coming to visit.  Lee and I are the same age and so we were always friends.  I still remember some of the laughs we shared and the talks that we had.  I also remember when Cindy learned to drive while she was visiting here and that we were all very grateful there was literally no traffic, especially when she backed across the street in Havana.
I became a teacher like Florence and I don't know that I did so because of her.  I  do know that it was her influence that helped me not to be afraid to try out new things and go with new ideas; because Florence would talk about the importance of always moving ahead in education.  That was important to her and it became important to me in my teaching career.
My mother passed away two years ago, and I miss her every day, just as I know you miss your mom.  But that is both  bitter and sweet because I know that they had a full and happy life; and would wish the same for all of us.
Take care, all of you.
Bonnie (Peterson) Josewski

Florence and I were both resouce center teachers in the district and spent many hours over many years working together sharing ideas, resources and socializing. We retired the same year and decided to do a newsletter together sharing our ideas and experiences with the current resource center directors.  I will miss her friendship .  She was greatly  admired by all who knew her.

Donna Worland      Green Valley, AZ

Everything I learned about the library, I learned from Florence! I learned how to type library cards, put up bulletin boards, and have reading groups. It is certainly a pleasure to have known Florence!  Elaine Looft

I met Florence in 1970 when I was a new teacher at Dunton School.  She was a wonderful mentor, gently encouraging better teaching practice from me.  In her position as librarian/learning center director, she was the instructional leader in our school.  She helped me work with difficult children, and she gently corrected students by making them think about their behavior.  As others have noted, she was a leader in the district, a wonderful example of what a truly professional teacher should be. And she was fun!  I, too, bowled with her!  Florence encouraged me to pursue my education and my career, and we kept contact all these years.  A few years ago, my husband and I visited Florence at her Dryden road home.  Still lovely and gracious, she talked about good social causes worth supporting, such as the Children's Defense Fund.  We will never forget her.

I am so blessed to have known Florence.  She had such a positive approach to her work and to her  life.  My condolences to her family.   Carolyn and William Hamm

I can clearly remember her smile and her laugh! I worked with Florence at Olive School. She was highly competent in all she did for students and for teachers. She cared a lot about children and everyone. I believe that I learned the most from her, however, about fairness, equality, and activism. She helped to establish the ATA, Arlington Teachers' Association. She worked hard for causes she believed in. She encouraged others to be involved. She made a difference in many, many lives. THANK YOU, Florence!

To all of Florence's family,

We had the lucky pleasure of being neighbors with Florence on Dryden St. from 1989 until we moved in 1993. One of my most vivid memories was in October of 1991 after giving birth to my first child. Florence stopped in to visit and to deliver the MOST delicious package of lunch meat and cheese from Thuringer Meats. I remember her kind gesture so vividly because as a new, sleep deprived mother, being able to make a quick sandwich was a gift beyond compare!

I will always have fond thoughts of your Mom and I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.

Many warm and supportive thoughts are sent to your family from the Retired Staff of Arlington Heights School District 25.  We are sorry to hear of your loss.  Florence is fondly remembered by many staff.

I volunteered in the library with Florence at Patton School.  She was such a lovely lady and taught me so much. I eventually became an LMC teacher myself and I feel she helped me get started.

Florence was a special person with the ultimate concern for the children and for the profession.  She greeted me as a new principal in the district as a member of the team.  She is the person all new teachers should meet to understand their roles and purpose in doing the right thing.  She was a sweet lady.  God bless her.

I worked at Olive for several years in a Reading Recovery Program for at-risk first graders plus substitute teaching in the P.M.  Florence always was extremely helpful, smiling most of the time, and had a certain sparkle in her eyes.  I always  enjoyed talking with her as she made one feel comfortable.  Blessings to her family as they mourn their loss.  Ellie Findlay

I was very honored to have known Florence.... first as an Olive School parent and PTA board member and then later as a valued customer. She was such a caring person with a true compassion for her profession. All who came in contact with her will miss her.

Florence Combs was a  most special person, mentor, and educator. She made it a point to welcome and get to know all of the new teachers to School District 25. As a new teacher back in the early 70's, I remember her coming up to me and introducing herself. She welcomed me to the district with a very kind, warm and caring conversation. She was very active with the teacher's union and explained all of that to me. And, of course, she bowled. Back then so many Districrt 25 teachers bowled that they needed 2 leagues to handle all of the bowlers. It was the social gathering to get to know teachers from the other schools in the district. She encouraged me to join, so I did. It was an awesome experience. Florence always made it a point to speak to almost everyone who bowled. She remembered you by first name, which school you were at, and what you taught. She was very dedicated to the profession for herself and all of the teachers, yet whenever you met with her, professionally or socially, her warmth came through along with her sincere, friendly personality. Her smile was contagious. I will never forget her! She truly exemplified what all good human beings and teachers should be! With love and friendship, John "Fig"lewicz

As a retired music teacher, there were times when we'd go from one building to another.  Sometimes it was hard getting to know new faculty, but whenever I was in the same building as Florence, I knew I had a special friend.  I will always remember her kindness and caring. Marion Rayner

Florence was a no-nonsense person who did her job with great dedication and a ready smile.  She was friendly and seemed to really enjoy life.  Jean Davis, music teacher

I remember Florence with great warmth. Whatever we may have ben working on together, underneath her serious attention and obvious dedication, there was always that unique sparkle and subtle twinkle that helped smooth the path to a sucessful conclusion. She was very special and we were all better for having her share time with us. She will be truly missed by all who knew her.

Florence was the team leader for the Learning Center/LMC/ Learning Resource Room, whatever name was in vogue at the time, and before we even had a stipend team leader.  She would gather us together to share ideas, books, activities.  This was before computers, or maybe we had one Apple II plus. By meeting as a group, she enhanced the program in every building. She was an organizer and leader in District 25. I will always be grateful for her knowledge and friendship.
Doris Kober

The photograph shows Florence the way I remember her: a ready smile that welcomed conversation. 
She loved teaching and learning.
I'm glad I knew her.   
Charlotte Willour

As a teacher in the Arlington Heights school system, I ran into Florence at many different events. She was very involved in the district and making sure that all children were being served appropriately. Florence was a "pioneer" in the organization of a school learning center. When I left the classroom and made the move to the learning center, Florence was very generous with her time and advice. When I met Sharon, her daughter-in-law I learned much about Florence's busy life and her love of family. I am sorry to hear of her passing. 
Elaine Seaman

OBITUARY

Florence M. Combs

January 3, 1924 – December 15, 2013

Lauterburg - Oehler Funeral Home

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