Florence Collell Ayre, age 92, of Oak Harbor, died quietly Saturday evening, Sept. 18, 2010, with family by her side. She was born in Louisiana on May 29, 1918. Known among her friends “Flora,” she was proud of her French roots and adored her time spent in France as a child.

Daughter of Joseph and Noelle (Bonne-Carerre) Collell, she spent her young adulthood and most of her life in Southern California which she always considered home. Flora supported herself and her daughter with an impressive career at Douglas Aircraft where she met many of her lifelong friends, among them her husband, Kenneth Ayre, who remained the love of her life until his death in 1986.

One of her many accomplishments was her love of storytelling. She had over three books published in her lifetime. Flora was also a talented seamstress and designer. She was known for her stylish wardrobe.

Flora is survived in death by her daughter, Leuanna Chapin of Oak Harbor, four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Arrangements have been entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel.