Florence Pearson
Florence A. Pearson (McKinney), was born on October 4, 1936, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She entered eternity on July 30, 2025, at the Schneidmiller Hospice House. May her soul rest with our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Educated in the finest convent schools in Philadelphia, she received a classical education. She was a life-long learner and voracious reader. She joked she was taught how to greet the Pope, but learned practical skills the hard way, through determination, patience and perseverance.
Florence met the love of her life, William “Bill” Pearson at a Christmas dance. He swept her across the dance floor to the song “La Cumprasita”, the Tango. They were married on September 15, 1956, on the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows.
They started out their marriage in San Diego, Sacramento, CA, then in upstate New York, where the majority of their thirteen children were born. They migrated back to Camarillo, CA where they attended St. Mary Magdalene Chapel.
When Dad semi-retired in 2003, they settled in Coeur d’Alene, ID. They were long-time members of St. Joan of Arc Parish, even before it was formally named. They enjoyed traveling to Mexico, Alaska, Germany, and Russia. Their lives were filled with holiday celebrations, daily Mass, and enjoyment with grandchildren. Mom learned to cook feasts for her family. Among the favorites were meatballs, lasagna, Irish spaghetti, cheesecake and home-made apple pies. Her crust is unmatched. She set a beautiful table, complete with place cards with specific seating for adults, teens, and kiddie table. You earned your place at the adult table when your manners were polished! Her home was decorated for each holiday from the rafters to the floors. Her home looked like a Catholic chapel and museum of her family life. After learning by hand, then by machine, she mastered the art of sewing. She created beautiful Baptismal gowns, First Holy Communion dresses and intricate suits for the boys. She made bathrobes and nightgowns, and don’t forget the dresses for every season for her children. They often matched the ties Dad wore. She made a lady bug dress at her husband’s request for the youngest daughter Liz. This was no “Sound of Music”. Florence worked extremely hard for her family, her life cannot be measured by the number of meals cooked and served, clothing made, laundered and mended, but by the sacrifices she made for her family in humble service for God. She said she had thirteen children because no one was getting in line, God needed to send babies to Earth, and she was willing. Her pro-life mission was to lovingly sew delicate baby bonnets, praying with every stitch for the babies who wore them. She used her industrious hands in service to others and our Lord until her hands were worn and could hardly count the beads on her rosary.
After 56 years of marriage, Florence buried her sweetheart in 2013. Dad carried Mom’s phone number from the magical night they met in his wallet until he died. Preceding her in death were her children Marie, Molly, William, and JoE.
After Dad died, Mom courageously remained independent, relying on her guardian angel and the 9 choirs of angels for strength and safety. When independence was no longer possible, she decided to move around the corner to the Lodge Fairways. She received loving care and delighted the other residents and staff with her singing, dancing and “kisses from Jesus”.
She enjoyed Saturday holy hour at St. Joan of Arc parish. On Sundays, she sat right in the front so Fr. Mariusz could bring her Holy Communion, at St. Thomas at 8am Mass. She distributed holy cards to the children of the parish to ignite their love of Jesus and His mother.
Florence shared her overflowing love of Jesus with those she encountered. She prayed that His love, forgiveness and mercy would heal her soul and those she holds dear. She is our prayer warrior. She loved the “Surrender Novena” and the Rosary, which brought her peace. In her last conversations, she said “Jesus will turn your woes into Wows!” She brought everyone closer to God as if it was her personal mission to share His love.
Florence is survived by the families of Rosemary (Akira) Hiruma, Rachel Pearson, Mary T. Pearson, Willa (Sean) Cahill, Jonathan (Yvette) Pearson, Mara Miller, Timothy (Lisa) Pearson, Elizabeth (Joe) Graybill, and Michael Pearson. She cherished and prayed for each of her children, grand-children, and great grandchildren.
A special thanks to the loving staff at the Lodge Fairways and to Hospice of North Idaho, and John Kastelic who kept the prayers flowing.
In lieu of flowers, please consider having a Catholic Mass offered for her soul thru the Aid to the Church in Need for persecuted Christians at www.churchinneed.org or mymassrequest.org.
The vigil is Thursday, August 7, 2025, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM with Rosary at 7:00 PM all at Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d’Alene Chapel at 744 N. 4th Street.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, August 8, 2025 at 11:00 AM at St. Thomas Catholic Church at 919 E. Indiana Avenue in Coeur d’Alene. Interment will follow at St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery with the reception following at St. Thomas Parish Center.
Arrangements are provided by Yates Funeral Home. On-line registry and condolences may be found at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.
May Bill greet Florence and sweep her across Heaven in a Tango among the stars with the Angels and Saints.