Florence Eleanor Bucholz

Obituary Florence Eleanor (Detert) Bucholz was born in Portland OR on September 11, 1941, and passed away, surrounded by her family, on March 30, 2016, in Olympia WA. Daughter of Paul and Eleanor (Schoenberger) Detert, Florence lived as a child in Portland and Bandon OR, and, after her parents separated, in Bremerton and Seattle. She graduated from Holy Names Academy in 1959 and attended Seattle University and the University of Washington before marrying Harold Bucholz on July 29, 1961. They made their home in Tacoma. Florence was devoted beyond measure to her family, which eventually grew to include eight children and fifteen grandchildren. She was an involved, supportive, and, most of all, loving, mother and grandmother who rarely missed a performance, game, or school activity. She was a lifelong Catholic and a member of St. Patrick Church in Tacoma since 1971. Florence was a dedicated supporter of Catholic education; all of her children attended St. Patrick School and Bellarmine Prep. Florence devoted countless hours to fundraising for these schools through the annual REACH auction at St. Pat's, the PRIDE auction at Bellarmine, and the PACE auction to support Catholic schools in Pierce County. Over the years, Florence was very active at St. Patrick Parish. Her involvement included Liturgical Arts Commission, Parish Council, School Commission, and Funeral Server ministry. She was a founder of the Sister Parish Committee at St. Patrick Parish, now known as the Foreign Mission Outreach program, and traveled to Bogota, Colombia, in 2010 to visit San Wenceslaus Parish and Colegio Anexo San Francisco de Asis, the parish's sister organizations there. Florence was determined, enthusiastic, and courageous. She had boundless energy and could do anything, or so it seemed. She found fun in everything. She maintained friendships from all phases of her life and was always busy with visits, trips, and meals with her friends. She loved gardening and was working in the yard at the family vacation home on Harstine Island when she suffered the stroke that led to her death. It was a beautiful spring day and she was so happy to get her hands in the dirt. Florence is survived by Harold, her husband of 54 years; her children Kathey Bucholz (Andy Moore), Jamal Mohamed (Faiza Mbaru), Mary McDougal (Mike), Margaret Birmingham (Mike), Trish Fiacchi (Norm), Liz Shea, Anne Merrill (Jay), Chris Bucholz, and former daughter-in-law Zabayda Nur; her grandchildren, Chris, Marissa, and Jessie Birmingham; Matt, Michaela, and Ian McDougal; Mohktar and Amir Mohamed, Brynn and Sophie Fiacchi; Matthew and Katie Moore; Benji and Ellie Merrill; and Ali Mbaru. She is also survived by her brother, Les Detert (Judy), several nieces and nephews, extended family, and many beloved friends. She was predeceased by her mother, Eleanor Middleton. Rosary will be recited on Sunday, April 3, at 7:00pm in the chapel at Bellarmine Preparatory School, 2300 South Washington Street, Tacoma. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, April 4, at 11:00am at St. Patrick Church, N. 12th and J Streets, Tacoma. Inurnment at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Florence's memory to the Foreign Mission Outreach program at St. Pat's to benefit the organizations in Bogota that were so close to her heart. (Please write checks to St. Patrick Church and specify Foreign Mission Outreach.) The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the Critical Care Unit at St. Peter's Hospital in Olympia for their compassionate care of Florence and her family during the last day of her life. Please leave online condolences at www.GaffneyCares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.