Florence Isaac

Florence was born on January 24th, 1926, in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, India, to Yesuratnam and Samthanam. Her early life was marked by both promise and hardship. After losing her father at a young age, Florence, along with her mother and family—including six brothers and two sisters—relocated to Thoothukudi, where she completed her primary and secondary education.

Even in her youth, Florence exhibited a deep love for learning—particularly in mathematics—and a sharp, inquisitive mind. She attended Sarah Tucker College in Tirunelveli from 1943 to 1945, taught at Prakasapuram High School from 1945 to 1949, and completed her bachelor’s degree at Sarah Tucker College in 1951.

In 1952, Florence embarked on her teaching career at St. Aloysius Girls Higher Secondary School, Thoothukudi where she taught mathematics. She went on to complete her master’s degree in Math and Tamil from Madras University in 1956. In 1958, Florence moved to Lowry Memorial Higher Secondary School, Bangalore to continue teaching math and eventually assumed the role of Headmistress, where she influenced the lives of many students through her high standards and demand for excellence. Her commitment to education and her students was evident in every lesson she taught. Even today, she is affectionately known as “Teacher” to many of her former students who were both motivated and inspired by her.

But Florence’s dreams reached far beyond the classroom walls. In 1962, sponsored by her cousin, the late I.R. Thomas, she moved to the United States. There, she worked at the Embassy of India, in the India Supply Mission, where she earned respect for her professionalism and strong work ethic.

Florence was more than just a diligent worker; she was a pillar of support for her family. Juggling multiple jobs, she helped bring her siblings to the U.S., creating opportunities for them. Never satisfied with the status quo, Florence expanded her knowledge by learning computer programming through night classes at the Department of Agriculture.

In 1965, her career took a major leap when she joined the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the Bureau of Technology Services. Starting as an assistant, Florence steadily rose through the ranks to become a Senior Computer Systems Officer—a remarkable achievement, especially at a time when few women, particularly immigrants, held such technical roles. She continued her work at the IMF for 26 years, eventually retiring in 1991.

Later, her passion for education and her desire to impact lives led her to help establish a medical school in St. Lucia.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Florence was a woman of deep faith, compassion, and devotion to family. In June 1979, she married Jones Isaac, and together they built a life centered on love, shared purpose, and service. They traveled widely, opened their homes to others, supported the poor, and were proud and active members of the Southern Asian Seventh-day Adventist Church (SASDAC) community.

Florence’s dedication and love for her siblings and their families remained a major priority throughout her life. She diligently sought to provide for their needs. Known for her meticulous nature, attention to detail, and pursuit of excellence, she was a dedicated Christian, giving generously to her church, to evangelism, to the poor and orphaned, and to all causes that touched her heart.

Whether at work, home, or church, she gave her best—with grace, dignity, and compassion.

On July 13, after a long and well-lived life, God in His infinite wisdom called her home. He granted her the peaceful passing she had prayed for—at home, at peace, asleep, surrounded by her husband and loved ones.

Florence is survived by her loving husband of 46 years, Jones, her cherished children Cathy, Joan, and Mervin, sons-in-law Franklin and Ramesh, her 11 grandchildren and their spouses, 13 great-grandchildren, her brother Rev. Moses Selvaraj and his wife Rita, sister-in-law Nalini Jeevaraj, a host of nieces and nephews, and a wide circle of extended family who adored her.

Florence lived a blessed life—rich in love, meaning, and service. She leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, generosity, faith, and integrity—a legacy that will live on in all who knew her.

As we remember Florence Isaac today, let us carry forward her spirit of excellence, her love for learning, her commitment to family, and her deep and abiding faith.

May her memory be a blessing and an inspiration to us all.