Florence Priscilla Fowler passed away in the early morning hours of January 18, 2018 after a brief stay at St. Louise Hospital in Gilroy. A resident of Pleasant Hill, CA for nearly six decades, she had recently relocated to Morgan Hill, CA to be nearer her children and was looking forward with great anticipation to celebrating her 100th birthday.

Florence was born in Oroville, California on April 6, 1918 to Stephen and Jennie Toland (Viets) and shared her birthday with her identical twin, Frances. Florence grew up in the PG&E community of Las Plumas in Butte County, which, since the 1960s, has been under the waters of Lake Oroville. The family spent wonderful summers at, Tolanda, the cabin their father built in 1932, at nearby Lake Madrone. The twins were the only students in their grade, first through eighth, in a one-room school house. When they graduated Florence and Frances each played a piano solo and then they played a duet. They went on to graduate from Oroville High School, where they played tennis and delighted in switching seats in class to confuse the teacher. On one occasion they almost went home from a prom with each others' dates. Florence attended San Jose State and worked at the San Jose Mercury News, prior to meeting and marrying Benedict Muccigrosso in 1943; she then moved back to Las Plumas while he served overseas for the duration of World War II.

They lived and raised their children in San Jose; in Yuba City, where the family survived the flood of 1955; then a move to Corcoran, in the San Joaquin Valley; and, upon Ben's death, Florence settled in Pleasant Hill. Between time spent working at J. C. Penney, Florence was an active bowler, played in bridge clubs and marathons, crocheted dozens of baby blankets, and enjoyed countless hours in her yard, always brilliant with flowers. She also added to her ever increasing collection of angels (she had thousands). An avid sports fan, she faithfully followed her teams and athletes. From the age of 12, the twins LOVED the Giants and Willie Mays. They exalted in their move to San Francisco, frequented Candlestick Park, and never missed a Giants broadcast. They also cheered on the Warriors, 4gers, Sharks, and every tennis tournament being played anywhere in the world. The twin's allegiance parted ways however, for the "Big Game"; for over 50 years a nickel has changed hands based on the outcome of the Cal vs. Stanford football game. When she could no longer drive, friends picked her up every Sunday for mass at Christ the King Church; and she kept weekly hair appointments using the Pleasant Hill Senior Van Service. Here she developed a lasting friendship with her favorite van driver, Donald Collins, and his faithful canine companion, Hattie.

Florence made friends wherever she went: she kept in contact with college roommates, and those who shared her room when her children were born. She maintained correspondence with former neighbors, colleagues from work places, her children's teachers and classmates, her gardener, hairdresser, restaurant server and grocery cleek. In later years her caregivers became her best friends: from Annie and Tana who prepared birthday celebration faire for the entire family, to every staff member at Valley Pine Assisted Living. She was loved by so many and will be remembered for her easy smile, her cheerful chatter, and for the genuine "thank you ", even through her pain.

Florence was preceded in death by Benedict John Muccigrosso (1960), the father of her four children, second husband, Daryl D. Fowler (1984), sister, Betty J. Toland Newlin (William), brother James R. Toland (Jean), daughter Kathleen Elizabeth Muccigrosso-White, and stepson Bill Fowler. She is survived by her twin sister, Frances Thorp of Pleasant Hill, son, Michael Muccigrosso (late wife, Lynne) of Los Gatos, daughters, Suzann Muccigrosso (Henry) of Gilroy and Stephanie Peterson (Pete) of Neptune Beach, FL, son-in-law Richard White, step-son, David Fowler (Suzie) of Martinez, step-daughter, Fran Keff (Don) of Redding; Grandchildren Todd, Teresa, Thomas, Corin, Brandt, Devon, Kurt, Arwen, Travis, Maggie, Kellie, Jill, Tyler, Shawn, Brenda, David; 18 great grandchildren and 14 nieces and nephews, both Tolands and Muccigrossos.

A memorial celebration will be held on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at Zio Fraedo's on Gregory Lane in Pleasant Hill, CA beginning at noon.