Florence Burgin McCulloch

Florence passed away on May 21, 2014. She was born on July 6, 1929 in Grace, Idaho to Lawrence and Mildred Burgin. She was proud to be the daughter of a potato farmer and had many happy memories growing up in a small town. She liked to say that she had perfect parents.

Florence went to Utah State University for two years, where she met her husband, Ollie McCulloch. They lived in Salt Lake City where she was a supportive wife and mother. They had two children, Anne McCulloch Nelsen and Douglas Henry McCulloch and the family enjoyed countless fun times together. Florence and Ollie shared a full life together that included sports, politics and many, many friends. When he became ill, she cared for him for almost five years, including providing dialysis at home, until his death in 1976. Although she was initially consumed with grief, she picked herself up and started a new career and a new life. She worked until retirement at the Utah Department of Transportation where she made close, life-long friends who remained at her side until her death. We talked about grief therapy but she had UDOT therapy and it worked wonders.
In addition to her work and her friends, Florence was a devoted mother and mother-in-law. She lost her son prematurely to the same renal failure that took her husband's life and provided him support and love until he died. Florence had opportunities to travel, especially with her sister, Audrey, and she cherished those memories. She was a cut-throat bridge player and loved the game for the mental challenge and, particularly, the remarkable friends that she made. She enjoyed all kinds of sports but was especially devoted to the USU Aggies and the Utah Jazz.

Florence's poor health at the end meant she had to give up bridge, Jazz games and even attending the ballet. But, she insisted on getting her daily copy of the Salt Lake Tribune and had opinions on politics and sports until the last.

Florence is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Anne McCulloch and William C. Nelsen; sister Audrey Hazelgren; nieces and nephews; and many good friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Ollie, son Douglas, parents, brother LaMar and sister Josephine.

The family would like to thank those friends who helped care for her and who showed her their love throughout her life and, especially, during her final days. You know who you are. We would also like to thank her physician Margaret S. Lunt and CNS caregivers, especially her ballet dancer nurse, Jennifer Demko.

Friends are invited to join the family as they celebrate Florence's life on Tuesday, May 27th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, where complimentary valet parking will be provided on the north side of the building. Graveside service will be held on Wednesday, May 28th at 12:00 noon at Logan City Cemetery 1000 North 1200 East, Logan, where she will be laid to rest next to her husband and son.