Florence Susan Bos' Obituary
Florence Susan Bos (“Flossie”)
April 29, 1947 – May 13, 2026
It is with a heavy yet grateful heart that we share the passing of Florence Susan Bos, affectionately known as “Flossie.” Surrounded by loved ones, she passed peacefully in La Jolla, California, on May 13, 2026, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was 79 years old.
Flossie was born on April 29, 1947, in Newark, New Jersey, to Sydney and Lillian “Lee” Pines (later Toole). At thirteen, she moved to sunny Southern California with her parents and her beloved brother, Danny. Flossie graduated from Grant High School in Van Nuys, CA, Class of 1965 and attended San Francisco State University where she studied philosophy and met the great love of her life, Otto Jacob Bos. Together, they ventured to San Diego, where she completed her degree in Public Administration at San Diego State University (SDSU).
Flossie dedicated much of her professional life to public service. She held various positions with the Los Angeles County Waterworks, the San Diego Indian Trade Center, and SDSU's Aztec Shops and Elderhostel program. She was eventually appointed to the State Personnel Board of California, where she later retired as President after ten years of service.
Yet titles only scratch the surface of who Flossie was. She had a generous spirit and a deep love for gathering people. No occasion was too small — from big celebrations to simple get-togethers, the Bos family home in Mission Hills was always open.
After Otto’s passing in June 1991, Flossie devoted herself to creating joy in her children’s lives. Knowing Otto’s love for the holidays, she happily opened her home year after year for holiday tree-trimming parties and festive Christmas morning brunches filled with family, friends, music, and the magic of the season. For many, the Bos home was a sanctuary — a place rich in warmth, laughter, delicious food, and heartfelt conversations.
Flossie had a wonderful sense of humor, preferring sharp observations over loud punchlines. Her sons often found their way to her bedside late at night, sharing hours of conversation about life and relationships, drawing on her wisdom and warmth. Her daughter could spend hours on the phone with her, recounting stories of adventures and travels, while Flossie listened with delight, curiosity, and love.
Her tastes were wonderfully eclectic. Born Jewish but agnostic in adulthood, she found joy in making matzah brei in an unexpected way — with bacon grease, a contradiction that
always brought smiles to those who knew her. She had a love for spaghetti with meat sauce and beets (yes, together!), and her musical tastes spanned from Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald to The Beatles and The Beach Boys, with a special place in her heart for “Your Song” by Elton John — her wedding song with Otto.
She also loved yellow box cake with milk chocolate frosting and sprinkles — usually a little crooked and made more with enthusiasm than precision. Classic Flossie.
A devoted San Diegan, Flossie loved Mission Hills, meals at Filippi’s in Little Italy, walks through Presidio Park, and playfully teasing her children about the Padres and Chargers — usually predicting disappointment.
At Monarch Cottage (now Revere Memory Care), Flossie was beloved by staff and caregivers. They saw past the effects of Alzheimer’s and witnessed the essence of Flossie — warmth, resilience, and an unmistakable sly smile.
Flossie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Otto; her parents, Sydney Pines, Lee Toole, and Conrad Toole; her younger brother, Danny; and many dear family members and pets.
She is survived by her children, Daniel Marc Bos, Jacob Otto Bos, and Susan Elisabeth Bos, who were the center of her world; her seven grandchildren, Jackson, Hazel, Kaia, Aria, Camden, Henry, and Georgia; her beloved Serrano family, and a wide circle of friends, neighbors, and extended family who loved her dearly.
One of the greatest lessons Flossie imparted to those she loved was the importance of expressing love freely and often. Goodbyes rarely ended without the familiar exchange:
“I love you.”
“Nuh-uh. I love you more.”
Flossie always seemed to win that argument. But this time, we might finally disagree.
We love you more, Flossie.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Flossie’s memory may be made to the Otto J. Bos Memorial Scholarship at San Francisco State University — a scholarship Flossie lovingly stewarded for many years in Otto’s honor. Please visit the SFSU Scholarships Giving page and enter “Otto J. Bos Memorial Scholarship” in the designation field: https://develop.sfsu.edu/scholarships
Donations may also be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of families affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
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