Florence Helen Eldridge's Obituary
Florence Helen (Shedd) Eldridge, 92, of Richmond, Virginia, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2025, at Harmony House Retirement Home, after a courageous battle with abdominal cancer.
Florence was born on November 25, 1932, in Lowell, Massachusetts, to Albert and Eldina (Elda) Shedd. She met the love of her life, James Leo Eldridge then married on January 19, 1952. In 1958, Florence and Jim moved to Oxnard, California, where they lived in the same home for more than 60 years while raising their family of 3 children.
Family was the heart of Florence’s life. She and Jim loved traveling with their children, making countless cross-country trips to visit family and friends. They were also avid campers and cherished attending the large Eldridge Family Reunions for more than 25 years, especially in their beloved Road Trek camper which took them around the U.S. a few times while researching genealogy.
Before retiring, Florence spent many years working and volunteering alongside her husband at Oxnard Moose Lodge #561. She was a Life Member of the Women of the Moose (WOTM), served as Sr Regent of WOTM, and was honored as the Lodge Sweetheart. She loved to dance, socialize, and be part of the Moose community in her earlier years.
Florence was gifted with creativity and a love of homemaking. She crocheted tirelessly—up until the months before her passing—blessing family and friends with her beautiful Afghan blanket. She was an avid gardener, planting vegetables and flowers in ANY container she could find. Her apple trees and grapevines were family favorites, and her rhubarbs—with its giant leaves—were unforgettable. Florence’s apple pies and raisin-filled cookies became treasured family traditions, eagerly anticipated at holidays and reunions.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James L Eldridge, Sr; her parents, Albert E and Elda C Shedd; sisters, Joan Collins and Mae Ellen Metzler; brother, Albert E Shedd Jr.; daughter, Florence E Clark (3 children); and great-grandsons, Dylan Eldridge, and Brandon Eldridge.
Florence H is survived by her sons, James Jr. (Cynthia) Eldridge in Texas (3 children), Glenn (Julie) Eldridge in Virginia (2 children), as well as numerous grandchildren and their families
Florence will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, and boundless love for her family. Her legacy lives on in the traditions she created, the countless memories she shared, and the lives she touched.
A celebration of life will be held for Florence on Friday, November 7th, 2025, at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park chapel (near the entrance of the park to the right), 5400 Valentine Rd., Ventura, CA 93003, at 10:00 am.
What’s your fondest memory of Florence?
What’s a lesson you learned from Florence?
Share a story where Florence's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Florence you’ll never forget.
How did Florence make you smile?
