Obituary of Florence B. O'Hara

Florence Bernadette O’Hara (nee Chinnici) passed away peacefully in Venice, Fl in the early morning hours on Sunday, July 17, 2022.  Florence was born on December 6, 1938, in Vineland, NJ to Anthony M. Chinnici and Dorothy Lillian Chinnici. 

Our beautiful mother is finally at peace and free from suffering the horrible effects of Alzheimer’s disease.  A disease that slowly robbed her of all she knew and loved including the memories that reflected a magnificent life of love and adventure.

Florence was a devoted, loving wife and mother, yet she was so much more than that.  She was beautiful, kind, thoughtful, smart, creative, resilient and ahead of her time.  She had a life full of accomplishments and never stopped wanting to learn.  Of her most notable accomplishments, her courageous return to school at the age of 43 to become a chef at the Culinary Institute of America.  She also mastered the art of quilting in her 50’s and even had one of her pieces depicting a barn and farm animals published in a quilting magazine.  She approached everything that she did with a passion and a drive for excellence.

Our mother will be most remembered for making our house a home and the way she filled that home with the aromas of delectable goodies.  From her never ending words of wisdom and her louder than life laughter to her love of walking, skiing and standing side by side with our father… She will be forever missed by all those that had the honor of knowing her.

Florence was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Michael O’Hara who truly was the love of her life.  She is survived by her three children, Michael O’Hara (Sheila), Christina Breda (Trevor) and Louisa Becci (Tom), 8 grandchildren, Caitlyn Leavens, Jonathan O’Hara, Alayna O’Hara, Casandra Brewer, Kyle Breda, Breann Breda, Samantha Becci, Justin Becci and 4 great grandchildren, Layken, Fionn, Piper and Lillian.  Florence is also survived by her beloved siblings, Joseph Chinnici (Marilyn) and Dorothy Coleman as well as many cousins with whom she shared fond memories of the ice rink, lake house and Atlantic City beach house growing up.

Relatives and friends will be received on Friday, July 29, 2022 from 11:00am until 11:45am, followed by a funeral liturgy at 12:00pm at Christ the Good Shepherd Parish, Saint Isidore the Farmer Church, 1655 Magnolia Road, Vineland, NJ.  Entombment will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery, 741 E. Walnut Rd. Vineland. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Tidewell Hospice at tidewellfoundation.org or The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America at alzfdn.org.