Florence J. Artaserse

August 24, 1927 - February 11, 2018

Florence Jane Artaserse (nee Hardie), aged 90, completed her baptismal journey on February 11, 2018 at the Meramec Bluffs Senior Living Community in Ballwin, MO, where she had resided since 2009. Florence was born in Newark, NJ to her late parents Esther Wilhelmina Higley and William Smith Hardie on August 24, 1927. She was raised in Nutley, NJ where she graduated from high school. Florence was predeceased by her husband Ambrose Edward Artaserse in 1995 after 45 years of marriage. She is survived by her devoted daughter Paula (Tim) Mortenson, her loving grandchildren Erika and Andrew Mortenson, her dear sister Adele (Bob) Haley, and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. After their marriage in 1950, Florence and Ambrose (U.S. Navy) were stationed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. They later settled in Jersey City, NJ where Florence (a 1949 graduate of Wagner College, BS in Nursing) resumed her career which included over 20 years at Greenville Hospital as a Recovery Room Nurse, ER Nurse, Continuing Education Director and Nursing Supervisor. Florence's faith and her family formed the foundation of her life. She was an active member at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Jersey City, NJ for over 40 years serving in Children's Christian Education, as Youth Choir Director and the Women's Auxiliary. Shortly after the death of her husband, Florence relocated to Chesterfield, MO to be near her cherished grandchildren. She was warmly embraced by the Trinity Lutheran Church (Chesterfield) community and became actively involved there in many ministries including as a mentor in the Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) program. Florence maintained a very active lifestyle until the last few years of her life. Florence and Ambrose were avid travelers visiting numerous destinations throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Florence continued to travel as much as possible later in life, often sharing in her joy of travel with close friends and family members. She will long be remembered for her Faith, Grit and Kindness. Services: A memorial service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 14088 Clayton Road, Chesterfield, MO on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at 11 AM. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington, NJ on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 14088 Clayton Road, Chesterfield, MO or Wagner College - Evelyn L. Spiro School of Nursing, 1 Campus Road, Staten Island, NY 10301.