Flora Mae A. Gandolfo

Flora Mae A. Gorini Gandolfo, 93, of Artesia, California died peacefully in her sleep early Wednesday morning, November 16, 2022. Her place of residence for the past 2 ½ years had been at the European Christian Home in Bellflower, California.

Flora Mae was born April 29, 1929 in Artesia, California, the daughter of Guiseppe and Aurelia Gorini. She was the youngest of the Gorini’s three children and grew up on her family’s flower ranch in rural Artesia on Orangethorpe Avenue. Flora Mae attended school in Artesia before enrolling at Excelsior Union High School in Norwalk. She played sports while in high school and after graduating became secretary to Mary Bragg, principal at Burbank Elementary School for a number of years. Flo also earned a position at Studebaker Hospital as a pharmacist assistant in later years.

While in high school, Flo began dating Nick Gandolfo, the only son of long time family friends. After Nick returned from World War II, the couple continued to date and on August 19, 1951, they were married at Holy Family Church. They eventually moved into their Jersey Avenue home in 1953 where they raised a family of six children. Although Flora Mae was extremely busy with this large family, she became active in the Original Junior Women’s Club and other groups.

Flora Mae remained a devoted member of Holy Family Church for her entire life. Flo was a longtime member of the Council of Catholic Women, eventually becoming President of the organization. She participated in Bible study groups and sang in the church choir. All their children attended and graduated from Our Lady of Fatima Elementary School.

In later years the couple loved to travel and visited over 41 countries and 38 states in the United States, often traveling with groups of friends.  Yearly family vacations included summers in Big Bear, Crestline and Lake Arrowhead. In 1971 the family embarked on a 6 week trip to Europe, visiting England, France, Switzerland, Italy, Germany and Austria. While in Italy, the Gandolfo’s reconnected with Flo’s aunts and cousins. The Jersey home was the center of family gatherings for years and the site of many get togethers with the “Gastromaniacs,” a group of their closest friends.

Flo loved sports, particularly the Dodgers and Notre Dame football. She played in a bowling league in Norwalk for many years. Her appreciation and interest in music and movies was legendary to her children, grandchildren and friends.

Flora Mae is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Laura Gandolfo, of Cerritos; daughter and son-in-law, Christina and Terry Hickey, of Arroyo Grande; son, Gerald Gandolfo, of Foothill Ranch; son and daughter-in law, Richard and Marianna Gandolfo, of Solon, Ohio; daughter and son-in-law, Anne and Michael Cordoni, of San Jose; son, Gian Gandolfo of Chino Hills; nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Flora Mae was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Nick Gandolfo; her parents, Guiseppe and Aurelia Gorini; and sisters, Matilda Vattuone and Anna Lee Gallizio.

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401