Obituary of Florence Rose Clapp

In loving memory of Florence "Flossie" Rose Clapp, who passed away peacefully on October 3, 2006, surrounded by love in Olympia, WA. She is survived by four sons; Stephen - Stanton, CA, Edward and Carol - Redding, CA, Larry and Cheryl - La Mirada, CA, and Dennis and Meg - Austin, TX; two daughters, Carolyn and Jerry Stoddard - Olympia, WA, and Susan and Terry Simas - Yreka, CA; two sisters, Mabel Adams - Sparks, NV, Hope Clapp - Burbank, CA, 14 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Flossie was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Edward M. Clapp; her parents, Albert and Mary Schlinger; brother, James Schlinger and sisters, Margaret Berry and Pearl Duncan. Born in Tarrytown, NY in 1921, her family moved to California when she was a young child. She grew up in Pasadena, CA, and met her husband, Ed, at age 14, then married at age 18. They lived most of their lives in Long Beach, CA. They were blessed with 6 children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were very involved in the lives of their children, Long Beach United Methodist Church and Long Beach Rotary. In later years they moved to Redding, CA, and after her husband’s death Flossie relocated to Grants Pass, OR, where she was very active with her friends and family. She later moved to Olympia, WA, and enjoyed family activities and increased her circle of friends. After suffering a stroke in April 2002, she made a remarkable recovery as she continued to maintain her faith and joy of life. Over a year later she moved into her daughter’s home, giving her more comfortable, secure living accommodations, and was living there prior to her passing. Her love of family was amazing. She was a great wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandma, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She had a good and full life, and she touched the lives of so many. She had a special way as she was so full of life, love, faith, and joy and gave her love and inspiration to those around her. Although she never drove, she never had a problem getting anywhere – by car, plane, truck or bus – “love is the bridge between you and us” she would say as she would get wherever she needed to be, making new friends on her journeys. Flossie was a fun person and loved to share her stories and “ice-breaker” pictures. She was very creative, often writing poems for special people or events in her life. She used to “create” cakes for special occasions – complete with a story or poem to commemorate the occasion, and often had decorations to add her special flair. Flossie was the original “party-girl” adding her unique touch in her themes and decorations in many parties she participated in through the years. When living in Long Beach she was active in “Meals on Wheels” bringing sunshine and joy to those she served. Flossie was once portrayed as “an angel on roller skates”. Florence was a very wise woman, a common-sense person, prepared for almost anything. She had many quotes of wisdom, and was able to use them at just the right time for extra guidance or inspiration. Here are those words of wisdom she'd give to others; • Make the most of the best, and the least of the worst. • You can give without loving, but you can't love without giving. • Give the bouquets to the living. • Love not expressed is not love. • Always think the best of others. Don't judge them! • Be careful how you live, you may be the only "Bible" people ever see. Most people would rather "see" a sermon than "hear" one. • Live in the present, not in the past. • Look forward and outward and upward. • Love your way in and out of every situation. • Expect A Miracle. Those that reach out for answers will find them. Expect A Miracle! • Even “Murphy” was an optimist. Never give up hope! • Always be willing to go the extra mile, and the extra smile. • Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% what you make of it. • There’s a silver lining even in the darkest cloud. • Worry is wasted energy. Let go and let God! • Forgiveness is the key to peace. She was a wonderful lady, and had “A Grand Time Living” as one of her favorite poets, Don Blanding, wrote. She lived by her motto of “make the most of the best and the least of the worst”. She lived the life she loved, and loved the life she lived! Flossie will be missed. A graveside service for the family is scheduled for June 24, 2007, the date of Ed and Flossie's wedding anniversary, at Sunnyside Cemetery, Long Beach, CA. A celebration of her life for family and friends will follow at a location to be determined. If you knew Flossie, like we knew Flossie – share a story of how she touched your life bringing joy and comfort to her family at this difficult time. We will share your stories with her family and friends at her “Celebration of Life”. It must be said that “she lived, she laughed … she understood”.