Florence Robertson

Florence Robertson lived a long life, one that spanned an entire century. But what is even more impressive is the way she spent her years, full of energy, passion, and love.

In 1903, the Wright brothers took their first flight, Henry Ford organized his company, and the first cross-country automobile trip was completed in 52 days. It was the dawn of a new century, full of new technology and promise for the future.

Florence Elizabeth Robertson was born at the beginning of this landmark year, on January 16, 1903 to William and Elizabeth Courrott of Summit Township. Florence came as the last of their eight children, all of whom worked on the family fruit farm.

Florence attended school through the eighth grade, when she moved to Chicago. Here, she served her Lord as a nun at the Sisters of Notre Dame convent for over fifteen years. Serious illness caused Florence to leave the convent, and she moved in with her sister, Nell, a nurse, who restored Florence back to health, feeding her a pound of liver every day.

Once her strength returned, Florence enrolled at Loyola University in New Orleans. Her brother, Bill, worked out of New Orleans as a sea captain and would watch out for his sister whenever he was able. Florence graduated Magna Cum Laude from Loyola with a degree in Music. She had played the piano since the age of 5, and being able to study music was a great joy. Degree in hand, Florence taught and directed music programs in and around New Orleans.

When her mother became ill in the late 1930s, Florence returned to Ludington to help with her care. Meanwhile, her music continued to be her passion. She was able to convince the Ludington School Board that they needed a music program, and became their first music teacher. Her students were able to perform many wonderful productions under her direction.

Florence met her husband, Bernard “Bunny” Robertson on a blind date. He worked for C&O car ferries and had just received his captain papers. The blind date was a celebration of this achievement, but it turned out to be much more. On Florence’s 40th birthday in 1943, the couple wed at the Rectory of St. Simon Catholic Church in Ludington.

With her new responsibilities as a wife, Florence decided to end her teaching career. She was completely devoted to her husband and loved being a full-time wife. Unfortunately, Bunny’s work schedule kept him away from his wife for 21 consecutive days per month. However, the birth of their daughter Audrey, in 1946 gave Florence another life to care for.

In 1953, Bunny was honored to be appointed skipper of the newly christened S.S. Badger, a duty that continued to keep him away from home. Florence and Audrey grew very close during Bunny’s absence, and they cherished every moment they were able to spend with him. Together the family would take a small boat up the Pere Marquette River to go camping or fishing, or just to picnic.

Following in her mother’s footsteps, Audrey fell in love with music and playing the piano. Florence drove her to Grand Rapids every Saturday for 13 years for lessons. Although it was a lengthy drive, it allowed Florence to visit with her sister, Stella, after Audrey’s lessons were completed. Sometimes, when mother and daughter drove back to Ludington in their Volkswagen Bug, the road over the Pentwater River would flood. This made Audrey very nervous, but to calm her fears, Florence would tell her, “Don’t worry, the Bug floats.”

Back at home, Florence and Bunny often provided their friends with musical entertainment. Sing-a-longs and dancing were commonplace, as was playing the guitar and banjo. After Bunny retired, he and Florence indulged in music even more, traveling to New York every May to see Broadway shows. In their later years, Florence and Bunny even learned to Disco dance.

Florence enjoyed sharing her love of music with others. Once Audrey had completed her schooling, Florence went back to teaching, this time giving piano lessons to hundreds of students until the 1990s. Bunny preceded her in death on February 11, 1992, and with this loss, Florence again turned to her music for comfort. She began entertaining the patrons of Gibbs Restaurant, a service she would provide until the age of 97. After performing thru the Christmas season of 2000, Florence decided to slow down a little. She later moved to Oakview Medical Care Facility, where she continued to play for her fellow residents. At her 100th birthday celebration in 2003, Florence played the piano, while Audrey sang for her.

Music was a constant presence in Florence Robertson’s life, but it was made special because of the people with whom she was able to share it. She filled her 101 years with laughter and song, surrounded by the family and friends who brought her life joy.

Florence will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her daughter and son-in-law Audrey and Jim Boals, her grandsons Pat and Brian Boals all of Ludington, her nieces Maxine (Rick) Falls of Grand Rapids, Geri Kistler of Hart, and Bernadette Johnson of Lowell, and her nephew Jack (Therese) Fortier of Grand Rapids. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Florence at 10:30 AM on Friday, April 23 at St. Simon Catholic Church with Rev. Kenneth Schichtel as celebrant. Friends may meet with her family for a time of visitation on Friday from 9:30 AM until time of mass at the church. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Oakview Medical Care Facility in Ludington. You may read Florence’s complete life story, leave a memory for her family, sign the guestbook, or make a memorial contribution at www.lifestorynet.com. Arrangements are being cared for by the Stephens Life Story Funeral Home in Scottville.