Florence Erringer Deeley, 91, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2021. She was born in Detroit, Michigan, only child of William and Marion Erringer. She attended Grosse Point High School where she was fondly remembered as, “Peppy!” Her artistic talents were outstanding, even in high school. She started her college career at Carnegie Mellon University, and graduated from The Art Institute of Chicago and the University of Chicago. Florence married her high school sweetheart, Paul Deeley, in 1951. They were married for 63 years until his death in 2015.
Florence was an amazing and prolific artist! She described her artwork as “organized chaos!” Her colorful and abundant work was a blueprint of her happy life filled with her children, faith and friends. Her artwork can be found in numerous homes and galleries across the country!
Florence embraced the scripture in active service to each and every congregation that she served. Her service as a “child of God” included-Sunday school leader at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, LaGrange, IL; Senior Warden and vestry member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church; Ocean City, NJ; ECW member, chapter chairwoman, and member of Daughters of the King at St. James’ Episcopal Church, Leesburg, FL. Florence participated in two mission trips to Honduras where she used her talent to work with children at Little Roses Orphange.
She was a longtime member and served on the board in various positions of the Leesburg Civitan Club. Civitan has a special emphasis on helping people with developmental disabilities, which was something dear to Florence.
Florence is survived by her five children: Sallie Collins (Larry), Kitty Deeley, Betsy Chandler (Martin), Bill Deeley (Janette), and Susan Wells (Sandy). She has six grandchildren- Andrew Collins; Cameron Reid; Alex, Meghan and Liz Deeley; and Madeline Wells.
“Mom, Mom-mop, Grandma, Flo-baby” was an inspiration to her whole family. She loved all of us fiercely, with considerable patience and kindness. She was extremely proud of all of our accomplishments and successes! She was a living miracle and showed us that God had many plans and adventures for her life after surviving life-threatening medical crises. Her creative and energetic spirit lives on in each of her children and grandchildren!
A memorial service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 21 at St. James’ Episcopal Church, Leesburg, FL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to ECW of St. James’ Episcopal Church (204 N. Lee St., Leesburg, FL 34748), or Cornerstone Hospice (2445 Lane Park Rd., Tavares, FL 32778).
