Florence Sander

Florence Sander passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. Born Florence Lillian Harris on April 19, 1927, in Superior, Wisconsin, she lived a beautiful life filled with family, friends and love. She will perhaps be remembered most for her calm easy-going presence, her positive outlook and for that twinkle in her eye.

During WWII, while in high school, Florence volunteered as a Red Cross nurse's aide and helped her mother run the family grocery store. After the war she met the love of her life, Howard Sander, on a blind date, and they were married while Howard was attending college in Laramie, Wyoming. Florence spoke fondly of their time in Wyoming: living in a motel room, using an orange crate in the window for a refrigerator, mastering the art of cooking on a hot plate, teaching their stray cat to fetch marbles, and supporting the two of them by working at the local key and lock shop. In 1951, they moved to Albuquerque, where Florence focused on raising their children while managing and handling the bookkeeping for their 36 rental properties, and later, an apartment complex. While busy with home and work, Florence always found time to enjoy life, going with Howard to chase down an antique music box or beaded purse or sneaking off on her own to the casino. She loved her family and friends (including small furry ones at the Humane Society) and always found joy in life. She was a role model for a life well lived.

Florence is survived by her loving children, Craig and Cindy; daughter-in-law, Cara; son-in-law, Andy; grandchildren, Carly and Mason; and great-grandchildren, Clayton and Vera. She will always be in our hearts. Her love of life, her generosity, her warmth, and her infectious sense of humor will forever make us smile.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Albuquerque Kennel Kompadres at http://www.kennelkompadres.org/donate.html.