GROVER, Florence Aileen Long-time resident of Santa Rosa passed away peacefully on August 2, 2006 of natural causes. She was 90 years old.

The past year was spent surrounded by her extended family in Portland, Oregon. Florence was born May 14th, 1916 in the farming community of Glyndon, MN. She was the daughter of Clarence and Lenora Grover.

After her primary education, she became a teacher at the age of 19. Florence then cared for her parents for two years before serving in World War II in the WAVES. During her military service, she taught English to Russian and Chinese sailors. She also taught English to foreign students at Wellsley and Harvard University. Florence completed her teaching education at San Francisco State University and lived in California for 58 years.

Florence leaves a lasting legacy to a generation of students in San Bernadino and San Rafael. She was the teacher that parents and students hoped for. Her life was devoted to the service of others. She volunteered in her community tirelessly and befriended those in need. Aunt Florence's heart and home were always open to her family, friends and many who needed a helping hand.

She found great joy in decorating her beautiful homes on MacDonald and Mendocino Avenues, playing music, gardening and writing poetry. She twice won the California Golden Poetry Award. She will long be remembered and loved for her open heart and welcoming smile.

Miss Grover's family wishes to express their deep appreciation to her close friends, especially Greer Malone, the Covington Family, Joan Byers and the many other friends and neighbors she had through the years.

Florence is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Phyllis and Earl Nichols, of Bend, Oregon and her nephews and their families, of Portland and Bend, Oregon. She was also a Great Aunt in every sense of the word to four adoring nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her long time friend, Mr. Julian (Sam) Simoncini and her brother, Mr. Albert Grover.

Services have been held in Portland, OR and Glyndon, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

Published in the Press Democrat on 8/31/2006.