Florence Henriksen

Dec. 14, 1933 - Nov. 30, 2021 Florence was born on December 14, 1933 to Catherine and Joseph Richards, in Los Angeles. When she was in her teens the family moved to San Bernardino. There, Florence met Eugene Henriksen. The two fell in love and in time, were married. Florence and Eugene lived in San Bernardino and Rialto where Eugene pursued a career in law enforcement. They raised three children: Raymond, Richard and Rachelle. In the early 1960's, Florence was hired by Phototron, a film processing company located in the San Bernardino area. Over time, her dedication and work ethic earned her a management position with the company, which by then had moved to Rialto. When Phototron closed its doors in the 1970's, Florence set out on a new endeavor. She opened a children's clothing shop in Colton and called it "Over the Rainbow", a not-so-subtle nod to her favorite movie "The Wizard of Oz". She soon opened a second store in downtown Riverside. Her daughter, Rachelle, worked side by side with her and together they cultivated a loyal clientele. She and Eugene eventually moved from their home of 27 years in Rialto to a home in Highland. After 18 years, Florence closed "Over the Rainbow" and retired to spend more time with Eugene and the family. Florence and Eugene were married for 55 years when Eugene passed away in 2007. Florence lived in the Highland home until she passed. While events and milestones are important to recall, it was Florence's spirit and attitude that will be remembered by her family and friends. Florence was just fun to be around. At our gatherings she would reminisce about family calamities. She could take a ribbing from the family about some silly thing she did, but she could dish it out as well. We would all laugh until tears came to our eyes, but no one laughed harder than Florence. However, when sadness or misfortune befell someone in the family, she showed genuine compassion, and would offer not only a helping hand, but also an attentive heart. Florence was also devoted to her mom. They took short road trips together, went out to lunch and would spend the day at Catherine's home visiting and doing household chores. Many days Florence would pick up her mom and take her to the shop in Colton. Not that Florence needed the help; she just wanted to spend time with her mom. No question, Florence was one tough lady. She beat back cancer in her thirties and persevered through decades of painful rheumatoid arthritis. In her eighties, she overcame a stroke and multiple cardiac arrests that were no match for Florence's iron will to live. Her family was convinced that she could survive her last medical emergency, but God had a different plan. On the evening of November 30th, God called Florence to His side to reunite her with Eugene and the family that passed through the gates of heaven before her. We will miss her loving way, her caring soul, her mischievous teasing and her contagious laugh. So, for now we say, good bye Mom, good bye Nani and good bye Florence. We love you and we'll see you again, "Somewhere over the Rainbow". Florence is survived by her two sons Raymond and Richard; her daughter Rachelle; grandsons Joshua, Zachary and Dominic; granddaughters Dondee and Amanda; great grandsons Cameron, Tyler and Robert Jr; great granddaughters Katrina and Adalyn; great great granddaughter Mackenzie; and her brother Joseph. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.