"This week is Teacher Appreciation week at school, this brought me to think about Mrs. Flora, my 3rd grade teacher in 1977 at St. Simons. I often think about her and how she was my all time favorite teacher, my kids even know her name because I mention her often. I decided to google her to see if I could find her to let her know how often she is thought of and I found her obituary. I know I am a few years late but I felt I had to write just how special she was in my life and how it much it saddens me to hear of her passing. "
In loving memory of
Diane M. Flora
July 11, 1949 - November 11, 2014
Diane M. Flora, 65, Indianapolis, died November 11. She worked for 32 years at Immaculate Heart of Mary School, retiring as the reading specialist in May 2014. Diane was a graduate of Ball State University. She was an alumna of Pi Beta Phi Sorority. She was an active member in the Dyslexia Society and the Indiana Reading Association. Family and friends will gather at Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel on November 14 from 4 to 8 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church on November 15 at 11:00 a.m. Survivors include husband, John M. Flora; mother, Lenor A. Briede; brothers and sisters: Richard P. Briede, Bridget G. Momcilovich, Ann T. Davis, David G. Briede, and Mary E. Klug. Diane will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and the many students whose lives she touched over the years. You are invited to visit the website www.leppertmortuary.com where you may share a personal memory of Diane, sign the guest book or arrange for a memorial contribution in her name to Immaculate Heart of Mary School.
Tributes
"John, Susie and I are so sorry to hear about Diane. She is a beautiful Lady in all ways of life and now with our Lord. Our prayers are with Her and for your strength."
"The teacher that stands out among all the rest in my academic career is without a doubt Mrs. Flora. I learned that school could be fun from her. She shined a light that empowered a very shy little girl to be confident and come out of her shell. May her refreshing spirit continue to inspire teachers. "
"Oh Diane, how I will miss you. I learned so much from you and enjoyed our time teaching together at IHM. I hope you will be my guardian angel in heaven and guide me with my new teaching endeavor here in Florida. How ironic that I end up in the state in which you used to help children remember your name. Be at peace. You fought it long and hard. Please know you are loved and missed."
"Mrs. Flora taught both of my children, but it wasn't just her outstanding teaching that helped my family the most. Two and half years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. My daughter was in 4th grade and son was in preschool. Diane asked my daughter to be the co-captain with her for the IHM team raising money for the Susan G. Komen Walk. This helped my daughter in more ways than I could ever express to Diane. It gave my daughter a way to channel her fears and worries into something positive. While I thanked her many times, I'm not sure she ever knew how much she helped my family. I never saw her without a smile on her face and she will be missed. Thoughts and prayers are with Diane and her family."
"I want to extend my sympathy to Diane's family. "Mrs Flora" was two of my children's teacher at IHM and how they loved her kind spirit and gentle heart. I, as a parent, also was given so much reassurance and support by Diane. She will always be remembered and treasured by our family. What a privilege to have had her a part of our lives,"
"Diane is the reason I became a teacher. Back in the 80's at IHM I graded her papers, visited her at her home, and had her be my sponsor for confirmation. She was never my teacher but I learned so much from her as one of the older students at IHM. Thank you Diane for being my inspiration to such a wonderful profession. I will miss running into you at the Archdiocese functions. May God welcome you with open arms."
"Mrs. Flora was my 3rd grade teacher at IHM. She was not only a wonderful person but a dedicated and patient teacher that loved her students. I am thankful to her for providing me the support to overcome my learning disability and helping me become a better student. She will be truly missed."
"Our deepest sympathies go out to your family. May the love of family and friends comfort you during these difficult days. We will keep you all in our prayers. "
"I have had many blessings throughout my life and being in Mrs. Flora's very first class is very high on my list. Walking into my 4th grade classroom at St. Catherine's School in 1971 was a life changing experience. She was young, energetic and always had a way to make you feel special! I wanted to be like Mrs. Flora. She inspired me to want to be a teacher and I strive everyday to be as loving and kind as she was. She will always have a special place in my heart! Rest in peace Mrs. Flora! I know you will continue to watch over all of us with that beautiful smile on your face!"
"So sad to hear of Diane. Jake & Maggie loved seeing Mrs Flora around school at IHM and she was so sweet with a kind smile. Sending our love to the family especially Mary & Samantha Klug XOXO"
"John--She was a beautiful lady--so sorry."
"Mrs. Flora was an inspiring teacher. I had the privilege of having her as my 3rd grade teacher 30 years ago. One of my dearest memories from IHM was making a flag for my desk that represented me at the beginning of the school year. She taught students to be there own person despite all wearing the same uniform to school each day. She will be greatly missed."
"I am very sorry for your loss John and the family. Dana and I are sending many prayers to you and your family, and well be praying for each and eveyday."
"As far as I was concerned, Mrs. Flora was the most glamorous woman in the world back in 1983 as my 3rd grade teacher at IHM. She instilled in me a love of learning that served me well during my academic career and beyond. I know she did the same for countless others."
"Diane will always be an amazing part of our lives. She was my children's guardian angel on earth and now our beautiful angel in Heaven. We were blessed to have known and loved her. We will miss her dearly."
"You will never know how much we treasured and valued your friendship. You will be greatly missed and we will remember you kindness and generosity in all you did. You will live on through the people you touched; we loved you so very much. "
"Mrs. Flora was my third grade teacher at St. Simon. She was the best, I will always remember her as one of my favorites. "
"Diane was as beautiful on the inside as she was beautiful on the outside. She had such passion for her family, friends, students, and life, and the gusto with which she approached life was only surpassed by the courage with which she faced her cancer. With her fierce will, her determination to embrace life, her loving spirit and her faith, she is a role model for all, especially those who loved her, which are many. Diane was a wonderful person who will be greatly missed."