DI COSIMO, Flora

Flora Di Cosimo Findeisen Death came July 2, 2010 in Tucson, to Flora Di Cosimo Findeisen. She was a lovely, talented woman who lived on Tucson's northeast side for more than 27 years. Flora is mourned by her husband, Ted; and her siblings; as well as by Tucson neighbors and friends, plus many in other states. She was born November 5, l924 in St. Paul, MN to Joseph and Maria Cesedia Di Cosimo, both Italian immigrants who were proud to become Americans. She was one of seven children. Flora graduated from Johnson High School in St. Paul and then from the American Institute of Business in Des Moines, IA. Later, she added two years of courses in business and law from Ohio State, as she continued a successful career with the U.S. government. At the Department of Defense she was a contracts negotiator/ administrator for the latter part of her 37 years there, receiving many awards and commendations. Flora was preceded in death by her parents; also by sister, Blanche Petterssen; brother, Ralph Di Cosimo; and Walter Findeisen, her husband for 39 years. Survivors include her present husband, Theodore "Ted" Turpin; his two children, Craig Turpin and wife, Mary, of Albuquerque and Shannon Turpin-Collins of Tucson with their spouses; plus three step-grandchildren whom Flora adored, Isaac Collins of Tucson and Hannah and Alexandra "Xa" Turpin of Albuquerque. Flora is also survived by sisters, Margaret Babler, Louise Weston and Gloria Chatterton; as well as her brother, A. Emmett Di Cosimo; brother-in-law, Richard Peterson, and many nieces and nephews. Flora kept busy after retirement, volunteered at a charitable shop in Menlo Park, CA, and still had time to win bowling competitions. She and husband Walter played bridge, a game that Flora excelled in for years. In Tucson, a city that she learned to love, Flora applied herself to charity works such as the West Needlework Shop and others. She traveled, first with women friends and later with husband Ted Turpin; the two visited over 70 countries and greatly enjoyed cruise ships--especially those with good dance music. They danced everywhere, with skill and enthusiasm. Flora was active in the "Hot Flashes," a women's dance group that entertained. She loved books, flower beading, and had many categories of collectibles--from spoons to Beanie Babies to poker chips. She lived with zest until the end. A Memorial Service to celebrate her death will be held Thursday, July 8, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 5150 N. Valley View Road, 577-8780. A reception will follow at Sunrise Mountain Ridge Clubhouse about 10:45 a.m., 6940 E. Loma del Bribon, with all friends of Flora and Ted invited. Published in the Tucson Newspapers on July 4, 2010