Obituary of Florence Trossman Lippman

Florence Trossman Lippman, 98 of St. Petersburg passed away peacefully at 1:30 A.M. Wednesday, May 17th. at Menorah Manor. She was born October II, 1907 in New York City where she lived until she and her husband, Morris and young daughter, Elaine, moved to St. Petersburg in 1941. Those who knew her well and whose lives she touched will remember Florence's zest for life. Music was her passion as seen in her early years in New York City where at eight she played the violin at Carnegie Hall and at eighteen, sang in the New York Metropolitan chorus. Her love for music followed her to St. Petersburg where she, Morris and their elder daughter, Elaine, sang in Temple Beth El's choir for many years. Florence was an outstanding member of the Florida Suncoast Opera Guild and helped establish a Tribute Fund which resulted in raising several hundred dollars for the Junior Opera Vocal Competition for young aspiring opera singers. Florence was also a moving factor in National Council of Jewish Women for most of her life. She was awarded the Hannah G. Solomon Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a woman, for her dedication to the Jewish community. In 1960, she was appointed to the mayor's committee for urban renewal and helped set up a White House Conference on Children and Youth, held that same year. She was instrumental in establishing the Jobs Corps and the Summer Youth Employment Service, which turned into the Youth Employment Service that continues in a somewhat different fonn today. At North Shore Elementary School, she volunteered her services to tutor children with learning disabilities. In 1996, Mayor David Fisher awarded Florence the Keys to the City of St. Petersburg for her outstanding community service. Her exemplary acts also won her the honor of becoming a princess on the court of the Queen of Hearts Ball. Florence and her family also shared many happy summers at Camp Blue Star in Hendersonville, NC where she directed the dining hall, ran the library, and sewed costumes for Indian Lore and theatrical productions. She was the Pearl Mesta of the camp. Service to her community came second only to her devotion to her family. Florence worked side- by-side her husband, Morris, who preceded her in death in 1974. Florence, our beloved mother, is survived by her daughters and sons in laws, Elaine (Mort) Stupp of Tampa, Florida and Lynda Lippman-Lockhart (Robert) of St. Petersburg; her grandchildren Gary (Mary) Stupp of Kansas City, Mo. and Shari Stupp of Ft. Lauderdale; Scott (Debby) Flesch of Clearwater and Aimee (John) England of Largo; her great-grandchildren, Fallon and Zachery England, Ayden and Asher Flesch, and Gary's daughters, Kate and Erika. She also leaves great-great grandson, Santino Joseph DeRosa, III, son of Kate and Santi DeRosa; her nephew Robert (Carole) Thorpe of San Francisco, niece Debby (Michael) Feinstein of Philadelphia and extended family in Jacksonville, FL. Florence's last years were spent busily at Menorah Manor where the aides called her their "Queen' for her regal manner and sense of style. She never complained and took her illnesses in stride. Florence Lip pm an will be remembered as one who never stopped giving, the woman with the positive attitude, and the fine woman. She loved St. Petersburg and her family above all. Funeral services will be 2PM Friday, May 19 2006 in the David C. Gross Funeral Home Chapel with Rabbi Gabriel Ben-Or, officiaitng. Interment will follow in Royal Palm Cemetery-South. In lieu of flowers please contact Temple Beth El for the Florence and Morris Lippman Music Fund or the Florida Suncoast Opera Guild, c/o Mrs. Winfield Wight, 3991 38th Way South, St. Petersburg, FL 33711. Service Information