Flora Mae Canepa
Flora Mae (Blair) Canepa, 89, passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 6, 2023, at Garden View Care Center at Dougherty Ferry.
Flo was born in Webster Groves, MO, on September 21, 1933, as one of eight children to Albert and Flora (Marsh) Blair.
She was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. Her beauty earned her the title of Queen of TV and Art for St. Louis in 1952, and in 1954, she was crowned Miss Fairmount Park. She met William Joseph “Joe” Canepa Sr. on a blind date in 1953 while he was home on leave from the Navy. They were married on August 6, 1955, at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Brentwood. Flo and Joe raised their family in Kirkwood and moved to Ballwin in 1978. Joe preceded her in death in 2019.
She was a talented artist, loved to sing, and could play just about any instrument without ever having a lesson. Her true passion was found later in life in her beloved home on Staely Ave. in Affton, which they purchased in 1990 on a whim. She poured her heart into decorating it with antiques. As fate would have it, we learned that Flo’s roommate in her final days turned out to be the dear woman from whom she purchased her darling home.
She was a devoted and loving mother to their four children, Joe Canepa Jr. (Laura) of Fenton, Scott Canepa of Lakeland, FL, Lisa Size (Ted) of Ballwin, and Connie Canepa (Terry Asbury) of St. Louis. She will be greatly missed by her grandchildren, Joe Canepa (Jenni), Ashley Canepa (Jordan Stanley), Anna Size, and Lilly Size, her great-grandchild, Karson Motzenbecker, and fondly remembered by her loving sister, Evelyn “Babe” Ode, along with countless nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by four brothers, Bud, Al, Jim, and Bill Blair, and two sisters, Bea Ott and Faye Ferguson.
A small service will take place at a later date at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She was such a sweetheart, and I cherish the memories I have with her, your dad and Rich. Lots of laughs and good times. I’m sure your dad welcomed her with open arms.
Lisa and family , that was such a beautiful tribute to your Mother. I know you all have such fond memories of her. Please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I just love hearing all her stories about her house, her love of ice cream and just being kookie Nonnie. Hang in there and know we are here for you. I wish you comfort in sharing all her loving and fun stories.
I work in activities at the nursing home Flo resided at. Flo was such a sweetheart. She had a great sense of humor and such a great smile. She was always so friendly and warm. I’ll never forget all the times I would dance with Flo or how she’d shake her shoulders during live entertainment. I also won’t forget the times I would tell her that I saw photos of her from way back and how she was as beautiful now as she was back then prompting her to laugh, go “ Oh come on”, and put her hand over her chest to fake shock. I loved Flo dearly and she will be deeply missed. She is in a better place and has been reunited with Joe. My deepest condolences to Scott, Joe Jr, Lisa, Connie, and the rest of the family. May Flo’s memory be a blessing. May she rest in peace. So long Flo Flo. I’ll miss ya.