Flo B. Free

Flo B. Free peacefully went “leggies up” at her home in East Wenatchee, WA on October 31, 2023. She was born on April 13, 1933 to Arthur and Florence (Switzer) Burbidge in San Jose, CA. She grew up and attended schools in San Jose and Ojai, CA. In 1956 she married Earle David Davis in Santa Barbara, and together they had a son, David. The marriage dissolved, but Santa Barbara continued to be her home. There, she held positions with Price, Postel, and Parma Law Firm, and later the Cancer Foundation. It was also in Santa Barbara where many grand adventures originated and life-long friendships were formed. In 1969, an affirmative response to a unique telegram proposal began her marriage to John Free of Santa Barbara. Although the union ended in divorce, the couple shared many fun times together and Flo’s iconic name would endure. She was known to say that she had a “face you may forget, but a name you will remember.” Flo moved from Santa Barbara to East Wenatchee in 1985 to “dance in the snow” as she put it. Her enthusiasm for the snow rivaled any winter athlete, but the joy it brought her was in the simple beauty and cheer with which she saw it blanket the Valley. She enjoyed springtime and planting equally. An exemplary host and outstanding cook (often utilizing Julia Child recipes), Flo became known for her frequent dinner parties and exceptional holiday parties. Costumes, games, music, and laughter filled Flo’s home on St. Patrick’s Day, the Fourth of July, Halloween and Winter Solstice. All were welcome resulting in an eclectic mix of personalities treated to memorable evenings of food and drink embellished by her impressive collection of dish ware. She relished decorating for her parties, but especially enjoyed the Christmas season, displaying her many crèches and other decorations collected from a lifetime of travels across the world. Keen for adventure with a side of mischief, and drawn to experience different cultures, Flo visited Japan, Mexico and Greece among her escapades. A charismatic — and opinioned — individual, she would return home with more friends than she set out with, and even more tales. She took delight in a recent road trip with her son, David, to her beloved childhood stomping grounds in Montana, bringing home a treasure trove of memories. Flo took pleasure in living. She never took for granted the view one could enjoy from her own backyard, made more special by her green thumb and carefully selected yard decorations, each with its own origin story. The inside of her home equally reflected her propensity for a joyful life—an open door, bright colors and eclectic decor welcomed visitors, sometimes with an endearing nickname permanently bestowed upon those who crossed her threshold. A menagerie of dogs and cats also greeted visitors. Over the years, dogs Sheila and Nikki and cats, Scooter, Sam, and ZuZu kept Flo company and guests in check. Flo was a bookkeeper and volunteered for various nonprofits in Wenatchee. She was fond of a good martini, going barefoot, big belt buckles, a good joke and all things purple. She was a devotee of Queen Elizabeth and delighted in following the activities of the Royal Family. An avid reader with a knack for crafts, she enjoyed sharing her knowledge and talents. Flo will be remembered for her generosity and her (stubborn) determination to live life on her terms. She hosted her final dinner party with friends on October 19 which she aptly dubbed the “last supper.” She had a goal to see her 90th birthday and stay in her own home as each year passed. Mission accomplished. Special thanks to Dr. Toby Long and his team for their professional care and friendship over the years. Flo is preceded in death by her parents Arthur and Florence and stepmother Avis, and her daughter-in-law Bonnie Davis. She is survived by her son, David, of Las Vegas, NV and grandchildren, Robert Davis and Julia Isackson and great grandchildren Leighton and Laine. All are invited to a celebration of Flo’s life at 2218 NW Alan Street, East Wenatchee on Tuesday, November 21st at 6:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials or donations may be made to the North Central Washington Museum and Cultural Center or Wenatchee Valley Humane Society. We will always remember her smile and glow, and never forget our eccentric Flo!

Tributes

Flo B. Free

April 13, 1933 - October 31, 2023