Obituary of Flory Ameile Bourne

Flory Ameile Bourne, 87, of Oro Valley, Arizona, died January 6, 2016, at home after suffering several years with Alzheimer's disease. Mrs. Bourne was born November 22, 1928, in Rotterdam, The Netherlands to Oscar and Flory (Salomon) Silberberg. She attended school in the Netherlands and in 1942, at age 14 during the Holocaust period, she was taken by the German Army to a Jewish transit camp in Westerbork, Holland and then later transferred to the concentration camp Theresienstadt in Czechoslovakia where she witnessed brutality and human suffering. She had an incredible will to live and an unyielding belief that she would one day be freed, which she was by the American forces in1945. After being liberated, she spent several years rebuilding her life in Holland and England, completing her schooling and working in her parents retail stores Au Gout Artistique. In the mid 50's, she came to the USA with her first husband to be, Martin Gerber. After their marriage, she had 2 daughters. In 1958, she became a naturalized US citizen in Olean, New York, and later divorced in 1955. She served for a while as a translator at the United Nations and as Dutch language coach for English speaking businessmen. She was employed by the Stouffers Hotel Corp in Indianapolis, Indiana in various positions and soon was promoted to an assistant manager of corporate sales in Atlanta, Georgia, where she met her 2nd husband, vocalist, Joe Bourne in 1974. She and Joe moved to the Netherlands in 1975, where she became his artist manager for 23 years, retiring thereafter for various health reasons. In 2000, they returned from the Netherlands, settling in Oro Valley. She enjoyed her world travels with her husband visiting over 40 countries. She was an avid Dutch soccer fan. She also enjoyed piano playing and the game of Bridge which she played on a weekly basis for many years with her neighbors at Vistoso Village in Oro Valley. She was known as a very colorful lady and one that brought kindness and sunshine into the lives of others. Flory is survived by her husband, Joseph Laverne Bourne of Oro Valley, AZ; her sister in-law Louise Silberberg of Australia; her daughters, Denise Smith of Charlotte, North Carolina and Julianna Crawshaw of Seattle, WA; her Stepdaughter, Nancy Jean; her Stepsons, Joseph Leonard, and James Andre Bourne; 8 Grand and step grandchildren; 4 Great Grandchildren; and two nieces Grandnieces and nephews in France. Her father, Oscar Silberberg, her mother, Flori Silberberg and her brother Rolf Silberberg preceded her in death. The family would like to thank the Jewish Family Services, her wonderful caregivers and the staff of Casa de La Luz In Home Hospice for their tender loving care during her final year. The family has chosen for a private viewing and thereafter Flory will be cremated. In lieu of of flowers please make donations to the Oro Valley Optimist Club c/o Joe Bourne or Impact of Southern Arizona Northwest Location 3535 East Hawser Street Tucson 85739 For more information please contact Joe Bourne @Comcast.net Flory A. Bourne An Indomitable Spirit