Florence Best

Florence Marie Best passed away peacefully at the age of 99 on January 30 at Evergreen Hospice Care Center in Kirkland.  She was laid to rest at Haven of Rest Memorial Park at Gig Harbor, Washington.    Florence last resided at Fairwinds Retirement Community in Redmond.

Known for her dedication to helping others as a giving, supportive person, Florence was much loved by friends and family throughout her long and productive life. 

She was born in 1921 in Tacoma, Washington to Sydney C. Best and Dorothy Redfield (Dowie) Best. 

An interest in serving others through a medical career was initially sidelined when she contracted tuberculosis in her early 20’s.  While struggling with that disease Florence resided at Firland Sanitorium in Seattle. 

Resuming her education, Florence became a Certified and Registered Inhalation Therapist.   Her formal schooling included the pre-nursing program at the University of Washington, and Schools of Respiratory Therapy at both the University of Chicago and Northeastern University (Boston).  She also worked at the Institute of Management Education (Boston) in a program for hospital administration.  

Florence’s distinguished career included being an instructor at Northeastern University School of Respiratory Therapy; research project-coordinator at the Mason Clinic in Seattle; and lung cancer researcher at the Virginia Mason Research Clinic where in 1979 she was singled out as “outstanding employee” of the year.   Similar recognition came from the Washington Lung Association for her technical expertise and contributions to medical research.  

Florence took early retirement to care for her ailing father, her disabled sister Jeannette, and later for her elderly mother.  For several years she  embarked on a second career as a staff member of Canoe and Kayak Magazines. 

Up until shortly before her passing, Florence maintained many interests and kept up lively conversations with loved ones. 

Florence was preceded in death by her parents, Sydney Charles Best and Dorothy Redfield Dowie Best of Lakebay;  her sister Jeannette Best; her brother Bradley D. Best of Redmond.  She is survived by her nephew David G. Best of Anacortes, niece Karen R. Wade of North Bend, nephew Greg P. Best of Cowlitz County and niece Joan Yankis of Redmond.   Florence was also much loved by her great-nephews Ryan J. Wade of North Bend and Christopher B. Wade of Kennewick. 

Suggested Donations in honor of Florence’s life of service to others are:  American Lung Association, Seattle Children’s Hospital or World Vision

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