BOMBER MEMORIAL

FLORENCE INGRID LEWIS DALZELL ~ Class of 1953
October 5, 1935 - May 20, 2011

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Florence lived in Irvine, CA and passed away on May 20, 2011 after a brief illness. At her passing she was surrounded by her family.

Florence was born in Chicago, IL October 5, 1935, to Fred and Mildred Lewis. Her family included her brother Richard and later her sister Ann. She graduated from Columbia High School in 1953 and attended Washington State University, where she earned a BA in sociology. While at WSU, she was a member and President of the Tri Delta Sorority. She also met a handsome young man named Gary Dalzell from Glendale, CA. Florence and Gary became betrothed and married after their graduation. During college, they became friends with Bill and Sandy Dunn; a friendship which has spanned over 54 years and remains strong to this day.

Upon Gary's commission in the U.S. Army, the two began a big adventure. In 1959, after tours in Georgia and California, Gary received orders to transfer to Schofield Barracks, Hawaii where he was stationed for three years. They formed numerous friendships while living and working in "The Islands". Their apartment in Honolulu became the "after duty headquarters" for many good times. While in Hawaii, their son Steve was born. To this day, Hawaii remains a very special place to the Dalzells. After Hawaii, they spent a tour at Fort Benning, GA before settling in Cheney, WA where Gary concluded his Army service. While in Cheney, their second child, Stacey was born. From Cheney, it was off to Kent, WA before settling in Irvine, CA in 1969 where they lived to this day.

Florence’s professional career included secretarial and office management work for companies in Honolulu, Santa Ana, and Irvine. She retired from Intergraph in 1987.

Florence had many pursuits and passions in life. She enjoyed snow skiing, camping, dinner parties, going to the beach, the piano, bridge, and wine tasting in Sonoma. Travels took her and her husband from Japan to Egypt and many points in between. She especially enjoyed Lille and Paris. Many Fall Sundays were spent going to Raider football games with their close friends, the Hardys. She was involved in her community serving on the Turtle Rock Homeowners Association and fund raising for Children's Hospital of Orange County.

Florence's meals always made for full stomachs and contented souls; from chili to holiday pork loin to chocolate chip cookies to her famous "German Pancakes". She made very "refreshing" martinis which were sipped on the back patio among family friends, and plenty of laughs.

In her later years, she became Nana and Grandma to Emma and Ryan.

Florence is survived by her husband Gary, son Steve Dalzell and daughter Stacey Dunn and their families, her brother Richard Lewis, and numerous nephews and nieces. She leaves a legacy of compassion and fun and will be missed by all.

A celebration of life was held at the UCI University Club in Irvine, CA on July 2, 2011.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that a donation be made to one of Florence's favorite charities: Susan G. Komen for the Cure (Komen.org) Southern California Golden Retriever Rescue (scgrrescue.org), and the USO (USO.org).

May the Trade Winds always blow their sweet, soft air. May the afternoons be spent relaxing and laughing. May Sundays include lots of touchdowns and a victory dinner. May all your dogs and cats smuggle with you on your favorite comforter. May light, love, and the Spirit of Aloha shine on you forever. Untll we meet again.