Florence Flossie Vance

Florence Breslin Vance, affectionately known as Flossie, was born on February 20, 1941, in Cumberland, Rhode Island. She passed away peacefully on September 7, 2025, surrounded by her loving family in Boise, Idaho. Flossie's journey through life was marked by an unwavering commitment to helping others, a passion reflected in her prolific 60-year nursing career. She dedicated her life to nursing in pediatrics, case management, and parish nursing, receiving numerous awards for her exceptional contributions, which she approached with care, kindness, and a loving spirit.

From a young age, Flossie displayed an impressive intellect, graduating high school at the tender age of 17. She went on to achieve her bachelor’s degree in nursing by the age of 21, eventually furthering her education to become a nurse practitioner. Her leadership qualities, warmth, and advocacy for others made her a beacon of light in the medical community and beyond. Flossie was proud of her role as a nurse practitioner and cherished her accomplishment of establishing the parish nursing program at St. Mary’s Cathedral, which touched many lives.

Outside her professional accomplishments, Flossie's greatest joys were found within the embrace of her family. She reveled in celebrating holidays and creating cherished memories with her loved ones. Her nurturing character extended beyond her career—Flossie was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by her sons, John Vance and Jeffrey Vance; her daughters, Heather Jackson, Holly Vance, and their husbands; her daughters-in-law, Sara Nord and Melanie Schilling; her sons-in-law, Eric Jackson and Evrim Akgul; as well as her beloved grandchildren: Jack and James Vance, Elliott, Hope, and Hannah Vance, Caden and Kyla Jackson, and Lena Akgul.

Flossie's spirit was as vibrant as her interests. She embraced her Irish heritage and found joy in musicals and plays, whether attending performances or sharing them with friends and family. She enjoyed the simple pleasures in life: shopping, sipping coffee and Diet Coke, indulging in ice cream and cookies, traveling, and taking peaceful walks, particularly relishing the beauty of the changing leaves in the fall. Evenings spent watching murder mysteries and romance films were treasured moments, as were the countless gatherings she hosted, filled with warmth and laughter.

Flossie is also preceded in death by her loving husband, James Shelton Vance; her parents, Orrin Francis Breslin and Rosella Tague; and is survived by her brother Peter Breslin; and dear sister, Cathy Dougherty, and her three sister-in-laws Terry Vance, Kathy Fretheim, and Ginny Vance.

Her legacy is one of profound love, remarkable dedication to her profession, and a life lived in support of those around her. She will be deeply missed, but her memory will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to walk alongside her.

Her funeral service will be on Friday, September 19th, at 1:30pm at St. Mary's Cathedral in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Followed by a reception at Hartman Hall.