Florence L. O'Shea

Florence Leona O’Shea, aged 91, passed away at her home in San Diego, CA on October 26, 2024.

Florence was born to Alice Coupal and Donat Robert on September 14, 1933 in Montmartre,

Saskatchewan. She grew up on a farm, the third of her seven siblings Aurel, Raymond, Jeannine, Denise,

Monique, and Celine. Following the sudden passing of her father, Florence dropped out of high school to

work and help support the family. In 1953, with a desire to see a world, Florence left Montmartre for

Edmonton, Alberta. There, she worked and saved until she had enough money for an even bigger

adventure: a move to Hawaii, then to San Francisco and eventually to Los Angeles, where she would

meet the love of her life, Paul Francis O’Shea.

Florence had an unmatched passion for travel and a deep curiosity about people and their different ways

of life. This desire was evident, when she chose to leave Los Angeles shortly after meeting Paul, instead

opting to embark on a year long cross-continent road trip through Europe with her sister Celine in a VW

bug. She visited places that many only dream of, from the pyramids of Giza, to the Taj Mahal and

Tiananmen Square. Her love of travel stayed with her right up until she started dialysis in 2021. She

would always be the first to tell you that travel is the most important thing in life because in the end, “that’s

what you’ll remember.”

When Florence returned to Los Angeles in 1965, her and Paul quickly became inseparable. They

complemented each other perfectly and were married on November 25, 1965. In 1968, they moved to

San Diego to buy a home and start a family. Florence and Paul went on to have two children, Monique

and Michael. She eventually went back to complete high school and an associate degree, and went on to

have a successful 40+ year career in real estate. Over her lifetime, Florence welcomed hundreds of

exchange students from all over the world into her home, many of whom remained lifelong friends. Over

the years, she spent her time doing the things she loved including working in the yard, entertaining at her

beloved home, playing fun grandma with her grandchildren, playing the piano, and enjoying many years

of travel with Paul, friends, and family.

Florence was predeceased by her husband Paul, who died in 2001. She is survived by her daughter

Monique, son Michael, son-in-law Todd, daughter-in-law Kristin, and five grandchildren Kendall, Sidney,

Camille, Noelle, and Samuel.

Florence led an incredibly full and wonderful life and she will be missed immensely. A small family

ceremony will be held to celebrate the life of Florence.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the San Diego Humane Society.