Florence Packard Anderson, also known as Flo, Aunt Flossie, Gramma, and GG, passed away January 5th at the Southeast Georgia Health System – Brunswick Campus.

She was born on the 4th of May 1943 in Chicago, IL and grew up outside Harrisburg, PA. After graduating Cedar Cliff High School, she studied art education at Penn State before finding her forever home on Saint Simons Island, GA over 5 decades ago. It was here that her talents and love for hospitality, food, and entertainment turned her into a true culinary "tour de force" on the island.

Without any formal training, she honed her craft in the kitchens at the King and Prince. Flo then went on to run Emmeline and Hessie's, 4th of May fine dining, and the 4th of May Café. She also created the Food Show, The Putter's Club, and the Airport Restaurant.

Flo is predeceased by her first husband Tom Packard, her mother Florence Bush Galley, and her father Charles Edward Galley.

She is survived by her husband Mike Anderson, and her two sisters Irene (Kent) Bonney and Carol (Ray) Dumas; her 3 children, Helen (Dan) Moore, Tommy Packard, and Charlie (Laura) Packard; her 9 grandchildren, Scott (Tori) Wolfes, Adam (Emily) Wolfes, Thomas (Ashley) Moore, Matthew (Ivy Lee) Moore, Davis (Sarah) Packard, Lily Packard, Alex Packard, Livi Packard, and Margot Packard; and her 5 great grandchildren, Ava, Harper, Maddox, Hudson, and Collins. She is also survived by countless cousins, nieces and nephews, and the very special family members she adopted along the way.

It sounds like a lot of family, and it is. If you ever spent time at one of her annual Christmas Eve oyster roasts, it was always a packed house. Whether you were inside or out you could always hear her generous, signature belly laugh until late at night. (Oh, and who could forget her dessert table with the go-to baggies.)

When the grandchildren all came along, Gramma Flo retired. And by retiring, she fully threw herself into this role. Cooking and baking in the kitchen, arts and crafts, Disney trips with the gigantic turkey legs, chauffeuring via the red minivan, and cheerleading at as many events she could attend. Spending her summers swimming and waterskiing on Lake Winnipesaukee as a child, she passed on her love for this special place to her children and grandchildren and all the cousins. She was the ultimate camp counselor, lifeguard, rowing instructor, and picnic packer. Being Gramma Flo was her greatest purpose.

As a community, we have all lost a steadfast friend and mentor. Flo believed in living large in spirit, heart, joy, laughter and yes, appetite. And she lived her life to the very last moment to the very fullest. She was and will always be a legend.

The family welcomes friends to her visitation on Monday, January 12th, from 10am until 11am, at Brunswick Memorial Park Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers please send donations to The FireBox Initiative or the Saint Simon's Boys and Girls Club.

There will be a reception to follow at Flo's house, 524 Wesley Oak Circle, St. Simons Island, GA 31522

Brunswick Memorial Park Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family.