Florence Elizabeth "Flo" Schilb

Florence "Flo" Elizabeth Schilb passed peacefully from this earth on October 31, 2025, at the age of 64. She was born in Yonkers, New York, on April 8, 1961, and spent her early years in Yonkers and Bethel, Connecticut. A 1979 graduate of Bethel High School, Flo soon followed her heart west to Santa Cruz, where she made her lifelong home.

Flo loved the ocean with a devotion that shaped her days and nourished her spirit. Whether she was walking the beach, paddle boarding, or sailing-often in her own small sailboat among much larger vessels-the sea was where she felt most alive. True to her nickname, Flo moved through life with an easy grace, a free spirit always going with the flow. Now, her loved ones take comfort in knowing she is flying with the angels.

One of the greatest joys of Flo's life came with the birth of her daughter, Jana. She cherished watching Jana grow and accomplish so much, and later found immeasurable delight in her granddaughter, Aleigha, who was the apple of her eye.

Flo was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Virginia Shilb; brothers Louis, Robert, Ronald, Gregory, Doughlas, Richard, Thomas, and Paul; and sisters Margaret and Shirley. She is survived by her daughter, Jana; her beloved granddaughter, Aleigha; brothers Stewart and John; and sisters Loreen, Arleen, and Susan.

A dedicated Field Service Engineer for more than 46 years, Flo began her career at National Semiconductor before joining CDK Global, where she supported car dealerships throughout the region. She took great pride in her work, earning consistently strong performance reviews and deep respect from her colleagues and customers. Even as she quietly battled cancer-something she preferred to keep private-Flo continued working, showing up on days when she received chemotherapy. When she eventually needed to take medical leave, her coworkers still turned to her for guidance, knowing she could always be counted on. Her kindness, humility, and reliability left a lasting imprint on all who worked with her.

Generosity was a defining trait of Flo's life. She gave freely to anyone in need, often without hesitation and sometimes at personal sacrifice.

Flo had a special affection for turtles, and her final wish was to rest in the ocean so she could "swim with them forever."

A celebration of Flo's life will be held next summer with a beach gathering, followed by the scattering of her ashes in the waters she loved so deeply.