BANGOR – Florence Arlene (Russell) Evans, 76, passed quietly in her sleep, March 19, 2008, at a local health care facility. Florence was born Nov. 27, 1932, in Calais, and was the daughter of Florence Rhoda (Glidden) Russell and Warren Maurice Russell. She was raised in Vanceboro and graduated from high school there. She furthered her education in Everett, Mass., graduating from Whidden Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. This education sustained her as she traveled to many areas of the country before settling in Bangor. “Flo,” as she was known, was employed for more than 25 years at St. Joseph Hospital as a registered professional nurse. Her last few years of employment, she was clinical hospital supervisor on the 11 p.m.-7 a.m. shift. The St. Joseph Hospital community was always considered by Flo as her family. After retirement, Flo volunteered at the hospital for a few years. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, Essex Street, Bangor, yet, enjoyed praising the Lord with her family and closest friends in their church homes. Great enjoyment in her life came from owning and showing her miniature pinschers at dog shows all throughout the Eastern Seaboard, including Canada. She took great pride in her memberships in Penobscot Valley Kennel Club and Canadian Kennel Club. The last years of her life were enjoyed with family and friends, traveling to Florida, swimming with the dolphins and going on cruises. All this made possible by the companionship of special friends. Florence was predeceased by some of her dogs and friends, who were as close as family, Jackie and Ed Cross; and animal companions, Ruby and Abby, whose cremations will be interred with her. She is survived by three sons, Mark and wife, Anna, of Orrington, Gary and companion, Rita, of Portland, and David; grandchildren, Amber, Ashlie and Brandon Evans of Orrington; and a special cousin, Jessie Leville of West Enfield. In addition to direct family, Flo had a family of friends who sustained her through her lifetime and survive her, the family of Jackie and Ed Cross, who include Karen and David Harrison of Verona Island, Andrea and George Dickinson of Orrington, Debbie and Ron Wentworth of Hampden and all their families. Flo valued and was grateful for friendships of Kathy Gallant of Stetson, long time caregiver; Lois-Ann, Ralph Holmes and family of Orrington; and a special long time friend from nursing school, Tony Sielinski of Massachusetts. A special thanks to the staff of Westgate Manor, who sustained Flo and helped her through her last few years of life’s journey. It was Flo’s wish for a memorial service to be held as an interfaith service 10 a.m. May 28 at St. Joseph Hospital Chapel. Interment will be 2 p.m. May 24 at Greenlawn Cemetery, Swanville, with the Very Rev. Linda Smith, of Elm Street Congregational Church, Bucksport, officiating. Those who wish to remember Flo in a special way may make gifts in her memory to St. Joseph Hospital, 360 Broadway, Bangor, ME 04401. Arrangements entrusted to Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home, 45 Western Ave., Hampden. Messages of condolence and memories may be shared through www.hampdengilpatrick.com.