Florence Solonche passed away in Baltimore, Maryland, on June 18, 2024, due to natural
causes. Born in Parma, Ohio, in 1956 to John Poltarec, a county engineer and USMC veteran
who served in World War II, and Ann Poltarec, an elementary school teacher, she later
moved to the San Francisco Bay Area before settling in Maryland with her family, leaving a
lasting impact on the communities she was a part of.
Florence, or Flo as she was fondly known, was a woman of extraordinary dedication and
passion for education. A graduate of Sonoma State University and Johns Hopkins
University, she was a perpetual student, always with a book in hand or an intriguing news
article to share. Her commitment to her own education led her to become an accountant
and later a technology software support specialist at the accounting firm of Ellin & Tucker
in Baltimore, Maryland. She also regularly volunteered at several local organizations,
championing educational equity, youth literacy initiatives, and art programming. Her
dedication to education was a testament to her belief in its transformative power. Other
passions included travel, supporting her favorite sports teams, and all things space and
Star Wars.
Flo was a beacon of kindness and empathy to those who knew her. Despite her struggles,
she was always quick to support others and never lost hope that we could all do better and
be good to one another. Her strength and resilience were admirable, and she leaves behind
a legacy of compassion.
Her three children and their families survive her, including daughter Lauren Funk,
son-in-law Josh Funk, and grandchildren Percy and Declan; daughter Alison Solonche,
son-in-law Reed Counsellor, and granddaughter Evie; and son Ryan Solonche. She
particularly relished her role as “Nanny Flo” to her three grandchildren. Not to be forgotten,
her beloved cat Bijou was her faithful and loving companion for more than a decade and will
now bring the same joy to her new home with Flo’s family.

While loved ones may physically leave us, it is through remembrance that we honor them and find solace. Her children, Lauren, Ali, and Ryan, express their deep and heartfelt gratitude for your support during this difficult time. They are profoundly appreciative of your love and care. In true Flo fashion, she requested there be no service for her. Instead, her children kindly suggest that any donations in honor of Flo's memory be directed to local organizations Art With a Heart, Believe In Tomorrow Children's House At Johns Hopkins, and The Maryland Book Bank.