FCSS founder Florence Saunders passes

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of FCSS founder, Florence Saunders, on August 1, 2023.

She lived in Norwalk for 40 years before becoming a resident of Westport for 15 years.

Florence was born on May 28, 1926 to Anna and Meyer Hochberg in Brooklyn, NY. Her sister, Pearl, predeceased her in 1988 and her husband, Lawrence, predeceased her in 1996, after a long illness.

Florence earned her BA degree in early childhood education at Brooklyn College, NY and taught in the NY school system. She later married her childhood sweetheart, Larry, in 1948.

After her husband’s career move to N. Dartmouth, MA, she volunteered her services to teach kindergarten in the library, as there was no kindergarten classes in the town.

In 1966, she moved to Norwalk, immediately joining Temple Shalom, where she taught Sunday school, eventually becoming principal of the religious school. She worked there 25 years.

Florence later earned her Masters degree at the university of Bridgeport. She ran counseling groups for senior citizens at the West Ave. Senior Center, Norwalk. Her great passions were for Ballet and classical music, particularly chamber music and the cello, which she learned to play later in her life.

In 1976, Florence founded a chamber orchestra called the Fairfield County Symphony Society with the help of her cello teacher, John Swartz. The group still continues to meet for the joy of making music together.

Florence leaves behind her beloved family: Jennifer, spouse Neil, Diane, spouse Marilyn, David, and her grandchildren Michael, Sara and spouse Jeffrey, Emily, spouse Trevor; Ariel and Tali, as well as her nephew Dennis.

Services will be held graveside at the Hebrew Independent Cemetery, 143 Richards Ave., on Sunday, Aug, 6 at 11 a.m. Donations may be made to Temple Shalom, 259 Richards Ave., Norwalk, or the Fairfield County Symphony Society.

Published by The Hour on Aug. 4, 2023.