Lasting Memories

Florence H. Gottdiener
1911-June 16, 2006
Menlo Park, California

Florence H. Gottdiener, a 27-year resident of Menlo Park, died at home on June 16. She was 95.

A graduate of Cornell University, Dr. Gottdiener was one of the first women admitted to the University of Maryland School of Medicine. A native of Poughkeepsie, New York, she practiced obstetrics-gynecology there from 1939 until she retired in 1979.

She was active in the Dutchess County Maternal Welfare League, a forerunner of Planned Parenthood. In 1952, she resigned in protest from the local hospital after being refused permission to run a family planning clinic; she returned the following year when the hospital reversed its decision.

After retiring, Dr. Gottdiener moved to Menlo Park to join her daughters. She enjoyed gardening, reading, cooking, travel and the company of her children, grandchildren and neighbors, her family said.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Elvin E. Gottdiener, and her daughter, Dr. Donna G. Oakes. Dr. Gottdiener is survived by two daughters, Dr. Dale G. Sickles of San Francisco and Mari L. Gottdiener, of Northampton, Massachusetts; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.