Naomi Jacqueline Bloss

Naomi Jacqueline Bloss ~ January 10, 1930 - March 21, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Naomi Jacqueline Bloss, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Naomi's love for plants and nature was a gift that touched the hearts of everyone she met. Her passion for gardening, especially cacti and succulents, was more than a hobby, it was her life's work.
Naomi's love of plants began at a young age. At just eight years old, living at NAS Corpus Christi, she was gifted Kalanchoe cuttings by a neighbor. Her grandmother's green thumb with plants like gardenia and succulents, as well as her father's obsession with papayas, nurtured her love for the natural world. This passion followed her throughout her life, shaping her career and leaving a lasting legacy in the world of horticulture. A proud member of the Cactus and Succulent Societies of America, including the Monterey Bay Area, San Francisco, and San Jose chapters, Naomi's contributions to their community are infinite.
She was a longtime volunteer at the UCSC Arboretum, sharing her knowledge and love of plants with others. Naomi also founded her first business in Washington, D.C., where she began cultivating cacti and succulents in a small porch that soon transformed into a dedicated grow room. As her collections grew, Naomi, with her husband Frank, designed a rooftop greenhouse at their Mount Pleasant townhouse, expanding their passion even further. Naomi was instrumental in establishing the Cactus & Succulent Society of Washington D.C., a testament to her commitment to the growth of this vibrant community.
In 1980, Naomi and Frank relocated to California, where they deepened their involvement in the world of cacti and succulents, enriching the local plant community. Her presence at plant sales and society meetings will be greatly missed by all who knew her. In addition to her passion for plants, Naomi had a deep love for travel. She cherished her visits to Namibia, Argentina, the Caribbean, and many other places, creating joyful memories with her loved ones.
Naomi was predeceased by her husband Frank and her beloved daughter Lisa. She is survived by one daughter, three sons, two daughters-in-law, one son-in-law, one granddaughter, five grandsons, and many dear friends who adored her. Her legacy will live on through her family, her plants, and the many lives she touched. Naomi will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, and the beauty she cultivated both in her garden and in the hearts of those around her.