Florence Atkins Averre ‘Floss’

November 1, 1920 – March 9, 2020

Mom was born in Denver, Colorado, to Maurice and Elizabeth Atkins. Her father died when she was four years old, and her mother moved Floss and baby brother to Los Angeles.

She grew up in Boyle Heights and lived in Los Angeles County for 95 years, the last 30 in Pacific Palisades. She passed away just shy of 100 years old.

Floss was raised during the depression, as her widowed mother tried desperately to keep house and home together. In 1939, Mom met the love of her life, Alfred Averre. Al was inducted into the service just one year after they were married. He fought in the Pacific Theater during WWII and was discharged a decorated sergeant.

Floss worked at Western Union during WWII. She vividly remembers working there on December 7 and helping people connect to their loved ones. She said they all worked long hours into the night, and she had the worst sore throat she can ever remember once she got home.

Al and Floss had three children: Maureen, Clifford and Berton. When all the kids were in school, Floss went back to college and earned her BA and teaching credential. She taught fifth grade for 15 years, and was well liked and admired by both staff and students.

In 1976, Al died suddenly, leaving her devastated. Her son, Berton Averre, had co-founded a band, The Knack, that suddenly took off with the hit song, “My Sharona.” Attending Berton’s concerts, Floss had her spirits lifted and went to every concert, ever the proud mom. She became known as Mama Knack. We often felt that the timing was a Godsend, lifting her gently through the grief to a place of healing.

Floss had many friends and music was her jam. A special group of friends were in a group called Cadenza. She played with these accomplished pianists once a month for over 20 years and loved it. She was a very good pianist and enjoyed playing any chance she got.

Ever the courageous one, she went on many European trips, widowed and alone. She once told me about a 15-mile-a-day walking tour of England that she was planning on. I said, “Mom, you’re nuts.” She went and had a great time. She was an amazing woman, our mom.

Mom was preceded by her little brother, David Atkins. She leaves behind her loving children Maureen Averre {Rodney Campa}, Cliff Averre and Berton Averre {Jen Szoke}; her grandkids Josh and Carrie Henteleff, Leah Averre Smith {Brad}, and Tim and Katie Averre; her step-grandsons Aaron Campa {Margaret}, Eric Campa {Lupe}; her great-grandkids Theo and Jack Henteleff, Tillie, Penny and Winnie Averre and Luke Austin Smith; her step-great-grandkids Bubish, Dre, Drew, Eli, Angel, Lexi, Elyza and Ethan; her only niece Liz Atkins {Cy} and only nephew Nick Atkins {Lily}.

Her son Cliff wrote this poem and read it to her as she was crossing over: You can fly, your spirit’s singing, just let the sky become your wings.

Mom, your work on earth is done. Rest high!

A celebration of her life will be held this summer. Date, time and location to be announced.