CAPE ELIZABETH – Florence Estelle (Simpson) Rost, a longtime resident of Farmingdale, passed away at the age of 88 on Jan. 25, 2024. She was tenderly cared for by Beacon Hospice while in residence at Cape Memory Care in Cape Elizabeth.

Flo was born in Cambellton, New Brunswick, Canada on July 12, 1935, the daughter of Wesley Eldon Simpson and Hazel Pearl (Ridgewell) Simpson formerly of Saint John, New Brunswick.

She graduated from Riverview High School in 1954. After a year at N.B. Telephone Co., she went on to nursing school, graduating from Central Maine General Hospital, Lewiston, in 1958.

Flo’s impressive nursing career at Augusta General Hospital, now MaineGeneral Medical Center culminated in the promotion to Clinical Administrator, a job she held for 27 years. She continued in this position for several years after retirement on a per diem basis. Flo expressed gratitude that she enjoyed a high degree of job satisfaction and sense of fulfillment over the span of her career.

While at home, she tended her flower garden in Farmingdale and took great pleasure in working outside, watching birds, and caring for her cats. An avid traveler, Flo often returned back to her beloved Bay of Fundy and Deer Island where she visited family. She also took several car trips throughout the United Kingdom and beyond, collecting wonderful friends along the way. She leaves behind many longtime, loyal friends, too great in number to name.

Not having had children of her own, she was adored as a “bonus mom” by her stepchildren, Lars Rost (Shelley) of Cumberland, and Lisa Haugen (Patrick) of Castine. She was also a doting “Grandy” to her six step-grandchildren, Alicia, Erik, Adam, Tess, Edward and Gordon.

She was predeceased by her sister, Charlene Patricia Thorne in 2010, and her brother-in-law, Lloyd.

She is survived by her niece, Kimberly Ferguson (David), and nephew, Bruce Thorne (Kim); along with great-nephews Ryan and Curtis and great-nieces Sarah and Kate in Canada. Her great-niece, Victoria pre-deceased her.

Whether as a colleague, a friend, or a family member, Flo was an extraordinary person to know who left an indelible mark on the world around her. While she was revered for her generosity and kindness, it was her indomitable fortitude and wicked sense of humor that made her unforgettable.

There will be no visiting hours. A Memorial and Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday Feb. 17 at 11 a.m. at the Highland Avenue Methodist Church in Gardiner.

Arrangements are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Av., Gardiner. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers,

it was Flo’s wish to suggest that memorial donations be made to benefit the

Bennett Breast

Care Center,

c/o Central Maine Healthcare Philanthropy Office,

300 Main St.,

Lewiston, ME 04240,

or online at

http://www.cmhc.org/memorial-gifts

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