Born on December 7, 1928, to Carl and Viola Kiessel, she grew up in Lake Leelanau, MI, and graduated Leland High School early as valedictorian of her class.

Working as a Registered Nurse in Detroit she met the love of her life, James R. Bowlby, a medical school student. Florence and Jim were married on December 29, 1951, in Gills Pier, MI.

Florence raised 5 sons and 1 daughter before returning to nursing at Jim’s medical office. She enjoyed gardening, bridge club, puzzles, genealogy, and hosting holidays. In retirement Florence was often Up North with her family, visiting siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews. After entering hospice care she was bestowed a Florence Nightingale Tribute for her years as a nurse.

Florence is survived by her children: Mark (Nancy) Bowlby, Neil (Carrie Hiser) Bowlby, John Bowlby, Brian (Lisa) 1928 ~ 2024

Bowlby, and Kathleen (Thomas) Harmon, her daughter-in-law Bobbi Ann Chilson and Lynn Jacobs, partner of John. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren: Jason Bowlby, Michael (Tanya) Bowlby, Patrick Bowlby, Sarah Bowlby, Katherine (Samuel) Dyer, James Bowlby, Edward Harmon, Eric Harmon, and Shannon Harmon, and 4 great grandchildren: Johnny Bowlby, Emily Bowlby, Elizabeth Dyer, and Wesley Bowlby, her in-laws, Gale Kiessel, and Richard and Gwen Bowlby, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Florence was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James R. Bowlby M.D.; son, David E. Bowlby; daughterin- law, Cynthia Katzman; grandson, David R. Bowlby; her siblings, Carl N. and Geraldine (Beckwith) Kiessel, Ruth and Harley Earl, Joanne and Richard Anderson, Daniel Kiessel; and recently by her nieces, Juli (Kiessel) Bemis and Jeanne (Anderson) Bruner.