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Florence E. Puhara, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2007 in Glendale, CA. She was 91 years old. Florence was born in Albuquerque in 1915, and lived there until 1995 when she moved to California to be closer to her children, Gerry and John. She was a great joy to her family throughout her life and especially during her final years with Alzheimer's which she spent listening daily to her favorite jazz standards, performing tap routines in a chair, and visiting with her family. Florence was preceded in death by her husband, John Puhara, whom she married in 1943. She was also preceded in death by her mother, Dorothy Knight; and her father, Edgar Knight; as well as her sister, Laura Crum; and her brother, Robin Knight. She is survived by two children, John Knight Puhara and Geraldine Dorothy Puhara; a niece to whom she was a mother: Elizabeth Simons; a son-in-law, Russell Ferrante; and one grandchild, Claire Ferrante. She is also survived by her many nieces and nephews including Rob Knight, Nancy Smart, Patti Hopper, Fred Knight, and Diana Winter. Grand-nieces include Rebecca Simons, Sara Simons, Brad Clifton, Jeff Clifton, Saxon Knight, Kristin Davis, Ryan Hopper, and Scotty Knight. Florence and her mother Dorothy, were the owners of the Dorothy Knight School of Dance in Albuquerque, NM. Founded in 1922, it was the first dancing school in Albuquerque and continued in business until the 1980s. Florence was a fantastic tap dancer, and teacher during those years. During the war she spent time in Los Angeles with her sister, Laura, studying dance and working at Douglas Aircraft. Alzheimer's disease never stilled her tapping feet, or her love of music. Her life was celebrated at a Memorial Service at All Saints Church in Pasadena, CA on January 13, 2007. Graveside Services will be performed in Albuquerque, NM on January 27, 2007 at 11:00 at Fairview Cemetary, 700 Yale Blvd., Albuquerque, NM. Donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to: The Rhythmic Arts Project TRAP PMB#144 1072 Casitas Pass Road Carpinteria, CA 93013
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