On June 10 , 2017 , One of DTLA ’ s Angels and one of DTLA LIFE MAG biggest fan has left us for now . Flo White , passed away peacefully in her sleep in her EVO condominium , in Downtown Los Angeles , at age 84 .
Flo was a well-known DTLA celebrity who everyone loved and adored . She was known for talking to strangers and inviting them to “ smile , it doesn ’ t cost you anything ”, she told them .
Flo was born to Polish immigrants and was raised in the Chicago area . She moved to her home in Carter Lake , Iowa in 1962 with her husband John White from Alabama .
Together , Flo and John raised two boys . One of her son , Jim White , is a long-term resident of Downtown L . A . and a co-founder of the successful Real Estate firm knowed today as DTLA LIFE .
Flo loved her life in and on Carter Lake . She spent many hours boating , paddle boating and swimming in the actual Lake , on her backyard . She always welcomed friends and acquaintances into her home to “ enjoy life on the lake ”.
Florence began her career at the Carter Lake Library as a volunteer . She went on to become the Head Librarian for over 25 years . In addition to her work as the Librarian , Flo spent countless hours as a volunteer in and around Carter Lake .
She was one of the original members of the Carter Lake Betterment Committee . Flo cherished the time she spent as a volunteer at the Carter Lake Boys and Girls Club . In her later years , Flo volunteered as a home Hospice worker and helped those in need as they spent their last hours and days before passing .
When someone needed a volunteer they knew they could count on Flo to step up to the plate and share her skills . She also wrote a weekly column for the Daily Nonpareil newspaper in Council Bluffs , Iowa for over forty years .
In a brave move in 2007 , Flo at the age of 74 left Iowa and moved to Los Angeles to live in Downtown , in a Loft at the Continental Building .
While in DTLA , Flo made new friends daily . She loved her new life , while still cherishing fond memories of her life in Carter Lake . Downtown L . A . and Iowa could not be more different , yet Flo embraced the community just as she always had back there .
She was active in volunteering with Chrysalis and had input into the design selection of the Spring Street Park . She would meet her new DTLA friends at Pete ’ s Cafe for cocktails regularly and was adopted by Ricky the Pirate as his ‘ GodMother ’. Flo would stay in contact with Ricky ’ s Mother when she was concerned about her son .
What Flo loved most about Downtown , was that she lived near her son Jim , and that he took such wonderful care of her every need . She could frequently be heard saying , “ My Jimmy treats me like a queen ”.
Flo was a master of relationships because she expressed so much love and respect for everyone in her life . People were attracted to her glowing presence and she was a wise sage to many .
She adopted her dear friend Julie Anderson of DTLA as her official daughter . Julie was a key person in her life along with her favorite French son , Alex LiMandri . Both of whom were with her when she passed with a smile on her face .
Those who knew Flo loved her for her unconditional love , wisdom , eccentricities , eclectic style and compassionate caring for others .
She was truly a woman before her time . Flo did not want tears at her death and she wished for her flowers to being to her while she was still alive ( which thanks to Julie Anderson and the LA Flower Market her wish came true twice a week ).
Rest in Peace dear DTLA friend . You will be missed and will not be forgotten . You were an important part of the amazing growth and evolution of DTLA , and a huge part of so many human been that crossed your way for a few minutes , or for a lifetime .
The whole team at DTLA LIFE MAG will miss her very much and would like to express our condoleances to her son , Jim White , a true Downtown Pioneer , dedicated to make “ THE WORLD IS A SAFE PLACE ”, by helping as much as he can , as soon as he can , to improve the conditions of the Homeless population in Los Angeles . We know that Flo will be watching over him , forever .
The Editorial Team , DTLA LIFE MAG