Florence Shannon Cherry's Obituary
Florence Shannon Cherry, of Fort Myers, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 15th, 2022. Florence was 101 years old. She was born at home on February 1st, 1921 to George and Florence Shannon in Brooklyn, NY.
Florence’s husband John was in the US Coast Guard when they married on April 3, 1943 and they served for 25 years. Florence was a proud military wife and mother. She was the one who guided and supported the family day to day, and during tough times (1964 Alaska earthquake and tidal wave, and household moves every 1.5 to 3 years) while John was away from home on lengthy deployments.
Florence has called Florida and Shell Point Village Retirement Community her home since 1982. She attended The Village Church at Shell Point. Her love for Jesus was clear as she would take every opportunity to share God’s word with everyone.
Throughout her life Florence enjoyed traveling and taking pictures. While living in New Jersey she loved boating with her husband John and their family. After moving to Florida she liked walking on the Sanibel Island beaches and collecting sea shells, and traveling to visit family in England.
Florence learned to drive in New York city and was always proud of her driving skills. She was in a car accident (not her fault) when in her mid 80s and never got a new car. She lamented to a friend about not being able to drive because her license had expired. He said she could use his car so at age 93 she passed the Florida DMV vision, written and behind the wheel tests. Her son John rode with her and found her to still be a good driver. She didn’t drive much after getting her license but it sure was a matter of pride for her.
Florence was preceded in passing by her husband of 60 years, John William Cherry, her parents, her sisters Ethel LeBeau and Diana Assante, and her son-in-law Michael Roark. Later in life Florence met Bob Pack, the second love of her life. They were committed to each other for 7 years before his passing in 2021.
Florence lives on in the loving memory of her beloved survivors. Children: John (Paula) Cherry of Reno, NV; Ann Roark of Fort Myers; Jim (Jeanne) of Franklin, MA; and Randy Cherry of Homosassa, FL. Grandchildren: Erin, Tucker and Nikki. Great-Grandchildren: Charlotte and Lilah.
Florence liked several variations of the “Finally Home” poem and hymn. She particularly liked the following version by Lynn Casstevens.
Although your work on earth is done, Your life in heaven has just begun. Your struggles here were hard and long, But they're over now; you're finally home. Life wasn't easy, by choice or fate. A decision made, sometimes too late. A fight to the finish, always strong. Rest easy, Mom, you're finally home.
Florence's family has entrusted Fort Myers Memorial Gardens with her final arrangements. She will be laid to rest with her husband at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida on a date to be determined.
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