Abbott, Florence M.

Florence M. Abbott, 98, formerly of Iowa City, died peacefully Monday, Nov. 8, 2010, at Mercy Hallmar in Cedar Rapids. A Celebration of Florence's Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 12, at Lensing Funeral and Cremation Service, Iowa City. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. A luncheon will follow the service at The Kirkwood Room. Graveside committal will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday at Oakland Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Horizons Meals on Wheels in Cedar Rapids.

Florence was born Sept. 6, 1912, in Emmetsburg, Iowa, the daughter of Jair Jacob and Emma (Kimes) Wildman. She was raised in Iowa City and was a graduate of University High School.

She eloped with Arthur Abbott to Rock Island, Ill., on Feb. 14, 1934. They had three children, Donna Hogan and Annette (Larry) Wolfe, all of Cedar Rapids, and Tom (Norma) Abbott of Iowa City. Florence and Arthur raised their family in Davenport and Iowa City. Arthur passed on in 1956. Florence was then blessed with 12 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.

After Arthur's death, Florence went to work for the U of I at Burge in food service. She retired in 1974 and moved to Cedar Rapids to be closer to family. The highlight of her life was planning the annual Labor Day family picnic, a tradition 52 years strong. Family was the most important thing to Florence. She also enjoyed listening to books on tape and the radio.

The family extends their appreciation to the staff of Mercy Hallmar and Hospice of Mercy in Cedar Rapids.

Florence was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her grandsons, Robert Westfall and Todd Butler; and three brothers, Ralph, LeRoy and Earl Wildman.

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