Flora Lee Doyle

Flora Doyle Obituary

Flora Lee Doyle Passed away peacefully Sun., Aug. 27, 2006. She was 100 years old. Flora was the loving wife of the late Walter E. Doyle and the beloved mother of Patricia Lindstrand of Mariposa, CA, and the late Shirley Madigan of Carmichael, CA. She is survived by 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Flora was born in Auburn, CA, on Nov. 5, 1905. She was a lifelong resident of Sacramento. She was educated at St. Joseph's Academy in Sacramento. A very talented accountant, Flora worked for many years at the Sacramento County Assessor's Office. She also maintained a flourishing private accounting practice. For many years Flora also owned a grocery store at the corner of 4th Street and Franklin Blvd in Sacramento. Known to all who loved and appreciated her as "The Boss," Flora was a gracious hostess and an amazing chef. Her splendid holiday dinner parties were of local renown. All agree that a dinner at Flora's meant a delicious meal and an evening of great fun. Flora loved travel and adventure and visited many parts of the world by plane, train, boat and automobile. She was a member of Forum of Sacramento and the Altar Society of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Sacramento. She also volunteered for many charitable activities in her parish. Friends may call at W.F. Gormley and Sons Chapel, 2105 Capitol Ave, Sacramento, 3-6pm on Thurs, Aug. 31. There will be a Rosary at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 32nd and Broadway in Sacramento, Thurs, Aug. 31, 7:30 pm; and a Mass of Christian Burial at Immaculate Conception Church, 10am, Friday, Sept. 1. Interment will be at St. Mary's Cemetery.

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Aug. 30 to Aug. 31, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Flora Doyle

Sponsored by S. Kevin Madigan and Family.

12 Entries

Chris Lindstrand

October 11, 2007

Being one of Grandma Floras many grandchildren, I must say that Flora always had a way to make you smile. She would tell you that despite her age and such, that she loved you for who you are.
From having a tiny poodle (Buttons) who was so kind and loving, to house breaking a rabbit, Grandma was truly one to be admired.
I will always treasure the memories that we shared together.

John Madigan

September 11, 2006

When I reflect back on Grandma’s life, many pleasant thoughts and great memories come to mind. She had a true love of life and led a long full life.

She was always willing to help others and was very generous. There are far too many examples to make note of here. A few that come to mind were her countless hours involved in various volunteer activities and ministries at Immaculate Conception parish; always helping out her friends and relatives in whatever way she could; and working with Father Madigan on the Sacramento Food Locker, amongst many others. Her house was always open to anyone. Many of the grandkids spent time living with her at various times, whether it was needing a room while attending college or for other reasons. My cousin Pete paved the way for all of us, living with Grandma while attending Sac City College. Grandma would wait up for Pete on those late Saturday nights (when he came home late from the library, of course). When I was dating my wife Gina, I brought her up to Sacramento to meet the family. Of course, she stayed at Grandma’s house. The Boss wouldn’t have had it any other way.

A few of her passions were cooking and entertaining. Some of my earliest memories of Grandma were of parties at her house. Whether it was a holiday, special occasion, or just for the fun of it, festivities were plentiful at 2564 Marshall Way. Good friends of mine from both high school and college would occasionally attend her Christmas open houses and other parties…“Flora’s Blowouts” is what my friends began calling them. Her kitchen was her kingdom, and God help the poor soul who tried to enter it either to help prepare a meal or clean up after one. Well into her ‘80’s, she was still taking pride in getting it done on her own. As Pete said in her eulogy, when she entered the gates of heaven she most certainly asked to see the menu so she could improve it. Who can forget her beef burgundy and many other signature dishes? A meal with the Boss was always a feast. I’m reminded of a time nearly 25 yrs ago when I had to attend a work potluck. Who better to call than Grandma to ask for a recipe. I ended up making her classic potato salad. Of course it was a big hit at the potluck, because after all, it was the Boss’s recipe. Nobody at the potluck actually believed that I had made it myself.

Around 25 years ago, give or take, my brother Mike called her the Boss. This new nickname immediately took hold, one that would stick with her for the rest of her life and one which she embraced. On her 80th birthday, we threw a surprise party for her. Not to be outdone, she threw her own huge bash for her 81st. On that evening on or about Nov 5, 1986, it was standing room only with a long line out the door to get into Immaculate Conception Hall for the festivities. Her grandkids were present with their new “Long Live the Boss” t-shirts. For her 90th, a new set of “Boss” t-shirts were produced and worn by grandkids and great grandkids at her birthday festivities. These 2 sets of t-shirts are now coveted collectors items.

Grandma, you will always be with us in spirit.

Love,

John

Michael Madigan

September 8, 2006

Grama Flora, Aka to all as the Boss. Yes it was me who made up the nickname of the "Boss" we were all sitting at dinner one time, one of hundreds I must add, and she seemed to be running not only the kitchen, the bar, and food but the conversation, so I said that word to her she was the "Boss" it stuck like glue, she loved it. In her home were 15 Boss coffee mugs, a street sign named boss way and on and on T-shirts anything with the name of Boss she got.

As a child I grew up believing in Santa, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, Giants, Trolls, Monsters, Dracula and God and Grama. Later as a grown man I still believed in God and the Boss, there was on ongoing joke between her and me as I spent about 16 months living with her. She would speak of getting older and her "estate" while I was always laughing saying when God is ready to retire, take his name of his desk, off the door, and put yours up, he will take you, and for 35 years I was right even.

Plenty is the word I can best use to describe 2564 Marshall Way her home, food, drinks, soft drinks, office supplies, blankets, spices, stocked kitchen you wouldnt believe and the best parties in Sacramento County if not the state, Governor Reagan had nothing on her, and our parties were simply more fun and informal, bring your date, bring her family, bring her dog, the more the merrier, I often thought I was richer than anyone on Earth having so many friends in one place and so often, I loved it.

Another word was safety, you always felt so protected there, so many people, so much warmth, you knew you mattered, if both hands werent full with a drink and something to eat, she made sure they were. You felt so secure there, when I looked around and saw all of the guests I thought I was in the safest place since being in my Sainted Moms womb.

I also learned much about sharing, the house downstairs seemed very small when empty, there was a kitchen that we werent allowed in of course during parties being her personal domain, a small office area, and living room, it didnt look like much empty. But 50 of us could work the room, have a great time, pass the food all around, and find a place to eat regardless of weather on any occasion, to me this is still very remarkable as all of the bedrooms and rooms were upstairs and of course taken by guests spending the night, I cannot believe how many people we could fit into such a small area, huge tree 10ft or more, decorations everywhere, and somehow it was the most comfortable place on this planet, so warm, cozy, the rose bowl on the tv, the sound of laughter, oh how I miss that the most, laughing, laughing, laughing, full tummy, some Jim Beam and 7up and all the great times. I am sorry the guest book wasnt located at her home when the house was built in 1932 as once again any governor would blush at his guest list compared to Hers!!!! The Boss had quite a life, and she was the Boss, we all miss her.

Love,

Michael

S. Kevin Madigan

September 7, 2006

I would like to credit my older brother, Michael Madigan, with insightfully coming up with the name "The Boss" for my grandma Flora in the 1980's . My grandma Flora took this "title" in stride and "ran with it" to its fullest extent. And she was generally a fair "boss".

Here's to "The Boss"!

Love, Kevin

Pete Lindstrand

September 5, 2006

Being the oldest of fifteen grandchildren is a legacy in itself. I can always remember Grandma, or "the boss" as she was known affectionately by all of us after she turned 80 years young, was the "director" of most family holidays. Annually here was a woman just tweeking 5'4" always "designing" the Xmas tree during the winter holidays or staying up late boiling and coloring easter eggs for a hunt the following morning. She was just a ball of energy who growled at us to stay out of her kitchen; but always coming to the rescue if one us came tumbling down the stairs. I honestly think all 15 of us fell down the stairs and tumbled into her lamp at least once in our youth. And I can remember the first two of my own three sons carrying on the Lindstrand tradition. Flora, we miss you dearly, but will always kinidle the fond memories we had with you at 2564 Marshall Way.

Love,

Pete Lindstrand

Grandma Flora

September 4, 2006

Kevin Madigan

September 4, 2006

I remembered another important thing about my Grandma Flora after arriving back home after attending her funeral. When I was in high school/college and trying to decide what I wanted to do for a career she repeatedly told me "you can do whatever you want to do". Although I knew then that there were many things I could never do, I always remembered her words of encouragement and they helped me have confidence when I changed my focus in college years ago. She had faith in me and it really helped me with a big change in my career path during my college years and beyond.

My grandma Flora was one of the smartest and most helpful persons that I knew while I was growing up. She helped "raise me" and I will always remember her for that.

Love, Kevin

Grandma Flora

September 4, 2006

Kim Parker

September 4, 2006

Flora was my great-aunt. When I was little, I couldn't say "Flora" and started calling her "Flower" which to this day seems appropriate. I too have fond memories of family & friend gatherings at her big Sacramento home. I remember one time when she cut her hand open while slicing the turkey - only taking a time out to get a few stitches in her hand and then right back to the party! Another time she broke a glass in the sink. As she was turning on the garbage disposal I recall her saying "Oh the glass is good for keeping the blades sharp"! She was a character and loved by all. Thank you Aunt Flower for 100 years of sharing!

Patrick Mahan

September 1, 2006

Flora was a wonderful person. She welcomed everyone into her home. Through my childhood, I can not remember a holiday that wasn't spent without her. She was actively by my mother's side through a very difficult time. But that was not unusual for Flora. She helped many people selflessly and did so not seeking any recognition. She saw a job that needed to be filled and she filled it. She will be remembered by her many friends and family.

Kevin Madigan

August 31, 2006

My grandma Flora Doyle was truly unique and I will always remember her fondly. She was a great cook and entertainer and always "the life" of every party.

She taught me the importance of standing up for what you feel is right... and not to ever let others take advantage of you, no matter who they are.

p.s. I hope to make it to 100 years of age like you did, Grandma!

Love, Kevin

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