Florence Isabel Montreys

Born December 17, 1920, in Bridgeport, Florence and her sister, Rita, were the daughters of August and Elvira Berline. While still at Central High School, Florence’s talent as a singer and dancer manifested itself when she starred in her high school production of The Pirates of Penzance. After graduation, she moved to New York City to continue her artistic studies with ballet and vocal luminaries of the day and she was a cast member in 3 Broadway shows in the 1940s—The Merry Widow, Chauve-Souris, and Bloomer Girl—under the auspices of such greats as George Balanchine and Agnes de Mille. Following a cross-country show tour which included entertaining the troops, and the return of her high school sweetheart from World War II, Florence and Joe were married and soon started their family in Bridgeport before moving to Monroe, where Florence lived for 63 years.

More than 3 decades of children knew and revered Florence as their teacher at the Florence Montreys School of Ballet, the first dancing school in Monroe, and friends and family were captivated by “the most beautiful voice they ever heard” as Florence pursued her lifelong love of singing and playing the piano. Florence will be forever cherished in the hearts of her daughter, Florence P. Montreys and her son, Michael A. Montreys and his wife, Cira Renzi Montreys.

The family will honor Florence privately and in lieu of flowers, would be grateful for donations to the Alzheimer’s Association. Please see the Spadaccino and Leo P. Gallagher & Son Community Funeral Home website to celebrate Florence’s life in pictures and share your memories: www.spadaccinofuneralhome.com