Florence Nightingale (Borseth) Daniels

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - Florence Nightingale (Borseth) Daniels, 90, a long-time resident of Wakefield, passed away Saturday morning, Dec. 5, 2015, at her home, with her loving family by her side.

Florence was born on May 12, 1925, in Marquette, a daughter of Adolph and Carlotta Mae (Hargrave) Borseth. Florence was born premature, weighing just three pounds and was not expected to live. She was named Florence Nightingale by the nurses and baptized into Christian life.

She lived in the town of Lake Gogebic until the age of six, when her family moved a short distance east to Hargrave Heights on the north shore of Lake Gogebic. Florence grew up and attended school in Bergland, where she graduated as valedictorian of the class of 1943. Following graduation, she moved to Niagara Falls, N.Y., to live with relatives and worked for a sales book company.

In 1944, Florence was accepted into the Cadet Nurse Corps and attended the University of Michigan School of Nursing. She graduated in 1947 and received her nursing degree.

Florence worked as a registered nurse at the University Hospital in Ann Arbor, Columbia Hospital in Milwaukee, Percy Jones Hospital in Battle Creek and Olin Memorial Hospital on the campus of Michigan State University.

While in Lansing, Florence met the love of her life and future husband, James F. Daniels. Florence and Jim were married on June 28, 1952, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wakefield. They shared more than 62 wonderful years together and raised five children.

Florence loved being a wife, mother, and homemaker. She took great pleasure in her children's activities and never missed a game or an event. Florence supported her husband, Jim, in his teaching career and was a devoted coach's wife and Wakefield Cardinal fan. Florence and Jim enjoyed their travels throughout the country visiting relatives and meeting new people along the way.

Florence was actively involved in her church. She taught catechism for years and participated in her church circle and the Altar Society. Florence volunteered countless hours as a Cub Scout leader and Booster Club member. She belonged to the Wakefield Woman's Club. Florence helped at local American Red Cross blood drives and supported the American Cancer Society.

Florence was a member of the Bergland/Matchwood Cultural and Heritage Center and the Lake Gogebic Improvement Association. She proudly served on the Community Mental Health Board in Wakefield and retired after 26 years of service.

Florence was considered to be quite a historian in the Bergland and Lake Gogebic area. She was a wealth of information and provided numerous pictures to authors who sought her expertise. Florence loved to talk about the early days as she remembered them.

Retirement allowed Florence and Jim to spend more time at their beloved Lake Gogebic home. It was a special place to welcome family and friends. Florence took great pride hosting family dinners, her specialty was a roast beef dinner and when in season, a hearty partridge stew.

She enjoyed her time at the beach with her husband, children, grandchildren and cousins and loved to swim and give lessons. Florence looked forward to summer boat rides and campfires.

Florence and Jim are together now, in Heaven, dancing under the harvest moon overlooking Lake Gogebic forever and ever.

Surviving are two sons, Michael (Susan), Anchorage, Alaska, and Mark (Christine), Ridgefield, Wash .; three daughters, Ann Marie (Ronald) Niemela, Quinnesec, Janet (Michael) Miljevich, Manitowish Waters, Wis., and Robin (Michael) Kimball, Arbor Vitae, Wis .; nine grandchildren, Dallas Daniels, Leisha (Travis) Huber, Kari (Kevin) Bloodsaw, Chelsey (Randy) English, Theresa (Chris) Kretovic, Daniel (Ashley) Niemela, Danielle (Chris) Windberg, Kevin Daniels and Kendall Daniels; 10 great-grandchildren, Mason, Devin, Titus, Aubrey, Daphney, Ella, Camron, Ayala, Wyatt and Weston; her special grand-dog, Dexter; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jim, on May 20, 2015; a brother and sister-in-law, James "Bud" and Joyce Borseth; a sister and brother-in-law, Joy and Arvo Johnson; and two brothers-in-law and a sister-in-law, George "Bob" and Mary Daniels, and John Daniels.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Monday, Dec. 14, from 9:30 to 11 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wakefield.

A Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Antony Lukka, celebrant. Also in attendance will be the Immaculate Conception Women's Guild Honor Guard.

Lunch will be served at the church hall following the Mass.

Rite of Committal and interment will take place at Lakeview Cemetery, Bergland, in the spring.

Arrangements are under the direction of Jerald Rocco, owner-manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Online condolences may be made to lakesidememorialchapel.com.