Florence ‘Flo’ Byron, 88

Mar 26, 2019

Well known local activist and musician Florence “Flo” Byron died unexpectedly at Charlton Memorial Hospital on March 22nd at the age of 88. Flo remained active until her death, performing, teaching and advocating with a youthful enthusiasm that made her a legend among locals. It also earned her the moniker "The Ultimate Patriot", a title she proudly carried.

Byron was a uniquely talented and nuanced classical pianist, a skill she continually honed and freely shared. A graduate of Bourne High School, Flo studied music at Boston University and taught high school music in Berkeley, CA for nearly 20 years before returning to Wareham. She loved to perform and did so regularly for audiences large and small, often accompanying her piano or organ with dramatic "pitch-perfect" vocals. She always carried a harmonica, in case there was no piano nearby, for an impromptu performance or singing lesson.

A member of the Screen Actors Guild for 25 years, Flo was also an actress with bit parts in many major pictures including "Jumanji", "27 Dresses" and "Moonrise Kingdom".  Hard to ignore as she was, Flo often had opportunity to interact with the movies' stars, sharing memorable moments with the likes of Robin Williams and Bill Murray.  Flo was also an activist, championing a variety of social and political causes. In 2012 she earned Wareham Crossing's Braveheart Award for her decades of work in support of veterans, education, and local business. She was also nationally recognized for her work with Barbara Bush for RIF (Reading is Fundamental).

Flo is preceded in death by her parents, James and Evelyn Byron of Wareham, her brothers Alex Byron of Marion and the Honorable Chris Byron of Rochester. Flo is survived by her sister Joanne Byron of Wareham, her brother Charles Byron of Wareham, and several nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours are Thursday, March 28, 2019 at Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 2599 Cranberry Highway (Rt. 28), Wareham from 5 – 7 PM.  A graveside service will be held on Friday, March 29, 2019 at Center Cemetery, Tihonet Road, Wareham at 11 AM.

For directions and on-line guestbook visit: www.ccgfuneralhome.com