Florence F. Broaddus

1945-2011

Florence Finlator Broaddus, known to many of us as Flo, Flobo, or Flobro, passed away on Friday, April 8th 2011 at her home in Burke, VA after a nine-year struggle with ovarian cancer.

Flo was born on January 17, 1945 in Washington, D.C. A graduate of Washington and Lee High School (Arlington, VA), Class of 1962, and Ohio Wesleyan University, Class of 1966, Flo enjoyed a 30-year career as the choral director at Swanson Middle School, Arlington, VA where she was named the 1996 Teacher of the Year. After her retirement, Flo launched a second career as a substance abuse counselor with New Beginnings of Fairfax County, VA. Graced with the voice of an angel, Flo sang with the Washington Choral Arts Society for a number of years, under the direction of Norman Scribner.

Flo is survived by her sister, Marcia J. Fletcher of Isle of Palms, SC, step-daughter Lynn E. Broaddus (Marc Gorelick) of Wauwatosa, WI, stepson Edwin “Ike” W. Broaddus (Julie) of Broad Run, VA, and grandchildren Coleman W. Broaddus, Evan A. Gorelick, Georgia (Callie) C. Broaddus, Girard W. Gorelick, Elizabeth Finley Broaddus, and nephews Bryan L. Fletcher and John T. Fletcher, and their families. She is also remembered by special friends Donna Hasslinger, Tom Kerins, and the Ladies of the Lake.

Flo was preceded in death by her parents, Florence B. and John H. Finlator, her husband of 19 years, C. Coleman Broaddus, III, and Bree, her beloved and brilliant Labrador.

Flo’s life will be celebrated at Clarendon Methodist Church, 606 N, Irving St, Arlington VA at 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 16th 2011. In keeping with her wishes, her remains will nourish the roots of a Southern Magnolia in Callao, VA. Her tree will be planted in the shade of Coleman’s oak tree during a private ceremony later this spring,

In honor of her love of music and her compassion for the diverse students of the Arlington Public Schools, the family suggests memorial contributions in lieu of flowers to the Florence and Coleman Broaddus Music Fund c/o the Arlington Community Foundation, 818 N. Quincy Street, Suite 103, Arlington VA, 22203 or www.arlcf.org/index.cfm/donate-online.

Arrangements under the direction of Arlington Funeral Home, Arlington, VA.