The family of Coly B. Florin announces the passing of this grand lady on Tuesday, May 22, 2012, at age 100, at Dove Healthcare in Eau Claire, where she had made her home for the past seven years. Coly Husby Florin was born in Menomonie on October 13, 1911, to Louis and Bertha (Micheels) Husby. Born Bertha Husby, she was a member of a large Dunn County farm family of eight children. During her childhood years one of her younger brothers began calling her "Curly" due to her head full of tight ringlets and the fact that he couldn't say Bertha. One problem-- his pronunciation was a bit off... instead of Curly, it came out Coly. The name stuck with her family, friends and her world. In fact she made the name official later in life. She was a 1929 graduate of Menomonie High School. She married C. Norman Florin on November 12, 1930, and they were married for 51 years. They moved to Eau Claire in 1933, where she lived until her death. By nature, Coly was an active and giving person. Her years in Eau Claire have certainly illustrated both. She began a career with the Eau Claire Girl Scout Council in 1942, took her professional training and ultimately became the Council's Executive Director. She continued in this position after the council incorporated most of West Central Wisconsin and became the Indian Waters Girl Scout Council. She was not just an office-bound executive. Instead, her regular travels throughout the council's large geographic region found her traveling day and night enthusiastically promoting "her scouts." She loved to share their experiences and passion for the outdoors. Among her fondest memories were all of the camping moments she shared with them at their north woods camp, other Wisconsin locations, the Rockies, Canada and Europe. Through her later years, many of her former Scouts continued to contact her sharing their favorite memories. She retired from her professional career shortly before her husband Norm's death in 1982, but continued to be involved as an active scout advisor. In 2005, she was honored for her 63 years of service to the Eau Claire Girl Scouts.\r\nIn addition to her professional life, she was an ardent, dedicated volunteer for many Eau Claire organizations. She was an active member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church for 75 years where her leadership and volunteer hours have been enormous. Other community organizations have also benefited from her energy and generous spirit---Luther Hospital, as a longtime volunteer and Guild member; the Syverson Lutheran Home Auxiliary; her PEO chapter and its education aid for young women; Triniteam and its mission of aid to the elderly disabled; Lincoln School, where she served as a reading assistant for second graders; RCU, where she was honored as a lifetime volunteer and the L.E. Phillips Senior Center, where her positive presence as a greeter was a constant joy and inspiration to many seniors.\r\nHer volunteerism was genuine and visable, but another less visable outreach to the community was her baking. Pies and cookies were her passionate hobby. Well known in many Eau Claire circles, they were baked for family and friends but they also made regular appearances at her doctor's offices, hospital staff desks, local fire stations, schools, church functions, charity events, etc. Her pies weren't just enjoyed locally. She would ship them throughout Wisconsin as far as Door County. When asked about what made her baking so delicious, she would usually respond with a twinkle and say, "If I'm ever in doubt, I just add another pound of butter."\r\nIn addition to being a community involved person, she has been a tremendous loving influence on her family. Her values have been passed on to her son, daughter-in-law, three grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. And sharing their lifetime experiences had been extremely important. Coly is survived by her son, Jack (Gail Farwell) Florin of Stuart, FL; Terri (Howard) Thompson, Ashley and Carly Funk and Melanie Thompson of Winnetka, IL; Amy (Joseph) Crider, Julianna, Katrina, Cole and Amelia of Louisville, KY; David (Kristin Brumm) Florin, Courtney, Emily and Abby of Middleton, WI; and many nieces and nephews.\r\nShe was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Norman; five brothers and two sisters. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 15, 2012, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 601 Fall St. in Eau Claire, with Pastor Carlton Kangas officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Inurnment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Chippewa Falls, WI, with Dr. Joseph Crider officiating. Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services is serving her family. The family wants to give special thanks and praise to the outstanding, caring staff at Dove Healthcare which was Coly's home for the past seven years.\r\nColy Florin was a special lady...one who can accurately be described as having lived a life of generosity, commitment and contribution to those she loved...family, friends and her Eau Claire community. Memorials may be sent to Indian Waters Girl Scout Council, 4222 Oakwood Hills Pkwy, Eau Claire, WI 54703 or Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 601 Fall St., Eau Claire, WI 54703

Service Information

Cemetery

Forest Hill - Chippewa Falls 514 East Columbia St. Chippewa Falls WI 54729

Visitation

Saturday, September 15 2012 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church 601 Fall Street Eau Claire WI 54703

Memorial Service

Saturday, September 15 2012 10:00 AM

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church 601 Fall Street Eau Claire WI 54703