Florence Downey dePaola, 93, died at the Chestelm Nursing Home in Moodus, on Sunday (June 4, 2000). She was born in Wallingford, to Alice Mock and Tom Downey, on March 9, 1907. Her younger brother, Charles Downey, was a well-known figure in Wallingford. He and her parents all pre-deceased her. In 1929, she married Joseph "Joe" dePaola and lived in Meriden until 1972, when the couple retired to Wilmington, VT. Joe died in 1978, and Florence continued to live there until 1990, when she movedto East Hampton to live with her daughter, Judie Bobbi and her husband, David. She went to Chestelm in 1996. Flossie, as she liked to be known, was very active in Democratic politics and local affairs. She was a Brownie leader, directed CYO plays, was on the Maloney Scholarship committee, a member of the Daughters of Isabella and the Mother's Circle at Holy Angels Church, to mention just a few of her involvements. She was also president of the Sunshine Club. Flossie was probably best known and loved for her buouyant sense of humor and unflagging optimism. Her reputation as a boundless hostess was legendary. She is survived by her children, Tomie dePaola of New London, NH, Maureen Modine of Newbury, NH, and Judie Bobbi of East Hampton. Her oldest son, Joseph, Jr., died in 1973. There are also nine grandchildren, Edward dePaola, Mary dePaola, James dePaola, Ellen dePaola, Robert Modine, Timolyne Modine Skinner, Timothy Modine, Tomie Modine and Patrick Bobbi; seven great-grandchildren as well asgrand-nieces and grand-nephews; and many friends. Flossie is survived by several cousins; her sister-in-law, Clorinda Bosi, her nephews, Frank Moleti, Ted dePaola, Paul Bosi and William Bosi; and her nieces, Teresa Melazzi Muratore and Mary Downey Malavase. -----------------------

Contributed by Laura Goodman.