Florence Blackie Furgason Wright was born Dec. 16, 1928, in Chelmsford, Mass., to Harold McClellan Blackie and Annette Gaudette Blackie and died Jan. 15, 2021, at Santa Marta in Olathe, Kan. She grew up on the family dairy farm in Chelmsford, attended Chelmsford High School and later graduated from a dental hygiene program in Boston.
In fall 1953, she met her first husband, Roger Furgason, and married him four months later. They moved to his home in western Kansas where they raised their two daughters, Barbara and Laura. After 23 years of marriage, Roger died. Florence returned to her family in Massachusetts and later married Win Wright in September 1978.
They enjoyed 40 years together living outside of Boston and spending the summers in Vermont on Lake Willoughby. Upon returning to Massachusetts, Florence was reunited with her mother, sisters Anne and Bess and brother Harold. Florence enjoyed her friends from Kansas, Massachusetts and Vermont.
She was a prolific painter and shared her love of art and painting with her friends. She also will be remembered by family and friends for her delicious cooking.
Florence and Win moved to Kansas City in 2010 to be near her daughters and grandchildren but continued to return to Vermont for the summer. In fall 2018, Win Died.
Florence is survived by her beloved dog and companion Sweetie, daughters Barbara Furgason Kurz (Phillip), Laura Furgason Burgess (Gary), grandsons Andrew and Aaron Burgess, granddaughters Monica Kurz Sollman (Shawn), Melanie Kurz Beck (Dave), two great-granddaughters Charlotte and Ayla, sister Anne Roberts of East Dennis, Mass., and brother Harold Blackie of Herkimer, N.Y.
The family wishes to thank John Dunlap, M.D. and the wonderful staff at Santa Marta in Olathe, Kan. Special thanks to Red Fantaye and Connie Silkman. No service is currently planned; a future memorial service will be held.
Such a lovely lady, Aunt Florence. So grateful she was in our lives. Love and prayers for Barbara, Laura and the rest of the family who are mourning such great loss. ❤️?
Thank you Laura and Barbara for giving me the honor of caring for your Mom who became my second Mama. I loved her to pieces! She will alway have a very very special place in my heart!
I only knew this wonderful women from the stories her daughter Laura told me. It wasn’t until I got to see first hand all of her paintings that I knew there was the same love for art in this women I’ve never met. Her eye for the detail was amazing. I’m sure she is painting beautiful scenes in heaven. I know she was loved tremendously by her family.. What an amazing women and the life she lived. Her story is great, and I can only hope my book of life will compare.
Prayers and hugs to all of the family. An extra long and special hug for you my dear Laura.
angellmike71@gmail.com
Florence wasn’t long in the span of my life, but she was vitally important to me. She was loved by many and will be deeply missed
Florence and I met when we were room mothers for our Kindergarten daughters (Barbara and Viki). We always kept in touch and had some remarkable phone conversations. I will miss that
We were very fortunate to have such wonderful friends and neighbors in Florence and Win. Our thoughts are with their families and friends. Alan & Pat Cole
Barbara,
Your mother was such a beauty! I know she was proud of you and your sister for all your accomplishments, and successes in life. It is surreal to lose a parent, as you know. My thoughts and prayers are with you & Phil and your extended family. May she rest in peace, and may you all be comforted by our Lords presence at these difficult times.
Love you!
Rita
Barb,
So sorry for your loss. So hard when we lose our mothers.
Keep your memories close by.
Angie Finegan
So sorry for your loss Barb.
Barb
She looks like you. I am so sorry to hear this. I hope you are at peace with her death. It is so hard losing our parents.
I have so many fond memories of her. She is deeply missed. She was the sweetest, kindest lady. RIP!
Such memories! Blessing to you Barb and your family.
Barbara,
So sorry for your loss, Florence and Roger were dear friends of ours. Floence presented Paul and I with one of her paintings that was so special to us. As i pass by it on the wall I have thought of your Mother often. She was a beautiful Lady.
Barb, so sorry for your loss. May she and you both rest in peace. I know how much you loved and cared for her!