Florence Gordon Webster, a resident of Claremont for over 60 years, died on October 29, 2016. She was 102.

A second-generation Californian, she was born on May 17, 1914 in San Rafael but did most of her growing up in San Diego with her parents and sister Helen. She met her husband Ralph following graduation from San Diego State College, where she studied teaching. Mr. Webster, director of materials for General Dynamics in Pomona, moved the family to Claremont in 1953. He died in 1975.

Mrs. Webster lived in her house on West Tenth Street prior to moving to Claremont Manor in 2006. She was very active in civic activities as a member of the board of the American Red Cross and with Claremont High School parent volunteers, St. Ambrose Episcopal Church and PEO. She was an avid participant in the arts as a potter, painter and knitter. She was also a writer, having published a book of short stories and poems.

“Florence inspired her family and friends with her generous and kind heart,” her family shared. “Her happiness was genuine and infectious. She loved everyone and was beloved by all who knew her.”

She is survived by her children, Elizabeth Webster Haberman and husband Paul, of Bend, Oregon; Lawrence Webster and partner Caren Whiteside, of Claremont; Gerald Webster and wife Sharie, of Brea; and daughter-in-law Judy Webster (wife of Gordon Webster, who died in 2003), of Tucson, Arizona.  She is also survived by four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. 

There are plans for a family reunion and celebration of life in the near future.  In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. Ambrose Episcopal Church in Claremont.