Florence Baptist, age 97, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2026. Born on February 18, 1929, in Honolulu, Florence lived a life defined by perseverance, faith, service, and love.
At just 12 years old, Florence witnessed the bombing of Pearl Harbor, an experience that shaped her deep sense of resilience and gratitude. Her memories of that historic day were later documented by the National WWII Museum, preserving her story as part of our nation's history.
Florence graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1947. She worked as a sales clerk and retired from Sears, Roebuck and Co. at Macomb Mall.
She married the love of her life, Herb Baptist (44 years), who preceded her in death, along with her brothers Franklin and Robert Loo.
Florence was a devoted and active member of her community in Novi, Michigan. She volunteered with Meals on Wheels through the Novi Senior Center and was involved with the Beyond Belief performing group. Her dedication to service earned her recognition as Michigan State Champion and Novi Volunteer of the Year. With compassionate hands and a generous heart, Florence knitted hundreds of lap robes for cancer patients, bringing warmth and comfort to many.
She found great joy in knitting, reading, dancing, and traveling the world. One of her proudest accomplishments was cruising around the world, embracing new cultures and experiences. Yet her greatest pride was her family—traveling to see her children and grandchildren, celebrating all their milestones with boundless enthusiasm. She also treasured the special memory of meeting and playing with Shirley Temple.
Florence was known for her favorite words of encouragement: "You go, enjoy and learn." She lived that philosophy every day, inspiring others to pursue knowledge, adventure, and kindness.
She is survived by her loving sister, Evelyn Lee; her four children, Linda (Malcolm) Salt, Anna (Mike) Zevalkink, Diane (Tom) Piskorowski, and Tom (Laura) Baptist; seven grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; ten step-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Her legacy of faithful service, strength, and unconditional love lives on through them.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at O'Brien/Sullivan Funeral Home, 41555 Grand River Avenue, Novi, MI 48375, with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 24505 Meadowbrook Road, Novi, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. A private burial will take place at St. Peter Catholic Cemetery, Clinton Township.
Memorial contributions may be directed to PBS Detroit. www.detroitpbs.org
Florence's life was a testament to faith, resilience, generosity, and joy. She persevered through history, gave tirelessly to others, and loved deeply. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered.