Florene "Flore" Emory

Florene “Flore” Emory died on June 4, 2011, from complications of Alzheimer’s disease.

Born November 18, 1924, to Oliver and Jewel Hooker in Brownsville, Texas, Flore was the oldest of four children. Eventually the family settled in Burbank, Calif., where she met the love of her life, Neil Emory.

Neil and Flore married July 3, 1942 when she was just 17. Neil served stateside in the Navy during World War II. Later, Neil owned a world-famous custom auto body shop, Valley Custom, in Burbank.

In 1960 they moved their family of four children to Costa Mesa, Calif. and became avid collectors of American antiques. In 1976 they built their dream home in Fallbrook with help from Flore’s nephew, Mike Robinson. Their house was featured in Country Home Magazine, photographed by Hallmark, and featured twice in News 8 television coverage.

Flore’s creative decorating and gardening set a relaxed, “old home” character that charmed family and many visitors during lavish holiday gatherings.

In 1979 Flore repaired an antique bear her dog had chewed, and discovered a new passion, teddy bear making. For 26 years Flore designed and handmade bears, eventually selling over 20,000 handmade “Flore Bears” worldwide. One notable sale was at a Japanese auction benefiting earthquake victims, where a single bear sold for $8,500.

A homemaker her entire life, Flore raised three sons and one daughter: Gary (Linda) Emory of McMinnville, Oregon; Don (Susie) Emory, Ken (Dixie) Emory and Jan (Tom) Wilson all of Fallbrook. She was preceded in death by her husband in 2004. Flore is survived by her three siblings, four children, 15 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held July 30 at 2 p.m. at the home of Don and Susie Emory in Fallbrook.