Florence Abelsson

Florence Abelsson

(Jenny Florence Marianne Lind Abelsson)

1928 - 2014

Our beloved mom and "Mormor" reunited with her Savior early Thursday morning March 20, 2014. She was born in Brooklyn, New York on June 17 , 1928 to Anna Elvira Pettersson Lind and Knut Uno Verner Lind. Always cheerful and full of faith, Florence was able to overcome many unique life challenges. At age 6, she was sent on an ocean liner to Sweden to live with her Grandmother. Later reuniting with her parents, Florence grew up in Gothenburg, Sweden where she obtained degrees in music and ballet. In her early years , she was an accomplished Swedish Opera Singer who dedicated her music to God. Soon thereafter, she won a "Star Search" competition and earned a record contract with DuWell Records, which brought her
back to New York where she recorded a top-ten hit under the stage name "Jenny Lind." While singing at a church in New York, a member of the Metropolitan Opera offered Florence a contract to sing with the Met. Although honored, she politely declined to be with her two children, Robe
r t and Lisa .

Florence supported her family over the years in various capacities including as a bookkeeper for 2 prestigious Manhattan restaurants and 20 plus years as a Department Supervisor at Volvo i n Gothenburg, Sweden. Florence was an active member of The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She loved the Lord; He was the very center of her life . She was loved by everyone and accepting of all who were around her.

In 1987, she was welcomed into her daughter Lisa-Ann and son-in-law Richard Gatherum’s home, where she played an active role in raising her 5 grandchildren.

Florence was a lifetime learner and could often be found reading about the gospel or crocheting, which added a unique flare to her wardrobe. Always refining her mus i cal talents, Florence became an accomplished piano player and composed many musical pieces, including a special song for each family member. Our sweet Mormor will long be remembered for her unshakeable faith, unconditional love and endless service.

The family would like to express gratitude to the fantastic doctors, nurses and techs at St. Mark's Hospital, all of our family, friends, and neighbors who have given us so much love and support.

She is survived by her son, Robert Hans Uno Svensson (Lena); daughter, Lisa-Ann Gatherum (Rick); f i ve grandchildren Tyler Gatherum (Ally); Nicolyn Gatherum Davis (Brian); Sendiea Gatherum Shepherd (Kole) ; Taynee Gatherum Miller (Parker); and Brinnl i e Gatherum; and four great-grandchildren .

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Friday March 28, 2014 at The Forest Bend Ward, 1975 East Forest Bend Dr. (7784 South) with a viewing prior to services from 11:30 A.M. - 12 : 30 P.M . by Cannon Mortuary. Interment, Murray Cemetery.