Obituary of Florence Ann Saring

Florence Anna Saring, 89, of St Petersburg, passed away quietly after a long illness at her daughter Melissa’s home on Friday, February 18, 2022. A native of Philadelphia, Florence was born on July 20, 1932, and raised in the Port Richmond and Hunting Park sections of the city. She also attended Mastbaum High School. Florence had a keen eye for beauty and was an expert in crochet and crafts. It seemed that everyone who knew her received a gift from her of a handmade afghan, baby blanket, or other one-of-a-kind creation, as a keepsake and a practical item to enjoy over generations. This stands as a testament to her loving, practical, and generous spirit, which inspired all who knew her. She was also a lifelong animal lover, welcoming a menagerie of assorted furry, feathery, and scaly creatures to every home she occupied, and treating her beloved pets with great warmth and care.
Florence was the devoted wife of the late Harry E. Saring Jr., and the deeply beloved mother of four wonderful children: sons Walter D. Grace Jr. (Maureen); Robert W. Grace (Suzanne); the late Mark E. Grace Sr.; as well as her daughter, Melissa L. Saring.  She was also a dear grandmother to thirteen grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Florence loved the ocean and sharing time with friends and family and was renowned for her thoughtfulness, strength, wise advice, and hospitality. She spent summers in Brigantine, New Jersey, with her family, before becoming a member of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association (also in New Jersey), and hosting a generation of children and their families each summer. During her time in Florida she adored Tampa Bay Rays games and spent each Mother’s Day there with her children, grandchildren, and friends.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you spend a wonderful day at the beach in the sunshine in Florence’s honor, or donate in her name to the animal charity of your choice.