Florence Marie Purse

Florence M. Purse, age 87, of Valrico, Florida, formerly of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away on January 20, 2026. Florence, or Flo as she was known to everyone, was born in Elizabeth, NJ to the late Joseph Milano and Mary (Scanelli) Milano. Flo grew up in Wilmington and graduated from St. Elizabeth’s High School, in Wilmington. Shortly thereafter, she married Ralph Purse in 1957, and they remained in Wilmington for 49 years, raising their 2 daughters and later enjoying their first grandchildren. Florence and Ralph were married for 66 years. In 2006, they retired to Valrico, FL and remained there ever since. Flo had a deep love and devotion to her grandchildren and thought nothing of traveling frequently to visit and spend time with them between Jacksonville and Tampa for birthdays, holidays, and school events. Florence is preceded in death by her husband, Ralph. She is survived by sister Gloria (Milano) Lyons, daughter Vickie (Purse) Glaum, her husband Mark Glaum and grandchildren Chloe, Madeleine and Ethan; daughter Valerie Purse, her husband Oscar and grandchildren Amanda and Leighann; great-grandchildren Riley, Alexis, Freia, and Karma.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held February 11th, 2026 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Tampa at 10:00 am. Following the mass, a private interment will take place at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Clearwater, FL.