Florence Cannella, aged 86, passed away on March 13.  Florence was born on Jan. 11, 1929 in Detroit, Michigan, the 10th child of Phillip and Grace Palazzola.

At the age of 2 her large Italian family traveled by car across the United States and settled in San Pedro. There she spent her childhood by the sea.

She attended San Pedro High School and, upon graduation, went to work.

She loved music, musicals and the movies from the ‘40s and ‘50s, and that would continue for the rest of her life.

In 1954, Florence married the love of her life, Vito Cannella, and shortly after  moved to Montrose where they maintained residence throughout her life.

Florence was blessed with three daughters: Anna Marie, Grace and Rosemary. Her daughters have memories of a childhood home filled with laughter, song and love. She welcomed her “only son” Jay Chase when he married Grace in 1978. She was enthralled with being a “Nonna” to Matthew, Brian and Lauren and years later a great-grandmother to Gavin, Michael, Jacob, Olivia, Connor, Madison and Hudson (due in May).

Florence is survived by all of the above family members as well as numerous loving relatives and friends.

Florence was a member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, enjoyed her friends at the Pioneer Club and couldn’t wait for a good Bingo game. She had a sweet, loving personality which carried her throughout the health challenges that she faced in her later years.

A rosary vigil will be held today, Thursday, March 19 at 7 p.m. at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 2411 Montrose Ave. in Montrose. A Memorial Mass will follow on Saturday, March 21 at Holy Redeemer at 12:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers a donation can be made in her name to Tierra Del Sol Foundation, an organization that has supported and loved her daughter Anna for over 30 years. Please send donations to 9919 Sunland Blvd., Sunland, CA  91040.

www.tierradelsol.org