Happy Birthday Esther Florence Winton "Flossi"

𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗻, affectionately known as 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶, was born on April 3, 1926, in Smith River, California. Of Tolowa heritage and a Tribal member of the Blue Lake Rancheria, Flossi’s spirit of kindness, generosity, and quiet strength continues to shape our community—reflected especially in the values we hold around food sovereignty and resilience.

Her home was a place of comfort and care. Kitchen counters were often covered with canning supplies and filled with the sweet scent of homemade jams and jellies, made from berries she had picked herself. Flossi had a deep love for gardening, spending countless hours tending to her plants and vegetables. She was also an avid baker, best known for her zucchini bread and other lovingly made treats, which she shared eagerly with friends, family, and neighbors.

At just six years old, Flossi was taken from her home and sent to Stewart Indian School in Nevada, where she remained for several years. Though that time was filled with hardship, she found light in learning—especially in the kitchen. She often said she never bought a boxed cake mix because she’d learned to make everything from scratch. Stewart also taught her housekeeping skills, which she later used to support herself as a maid.

Despite the many challenges she faced, Flossi built a life on the Blue Lake Rancheria filled with joy, purpose, and meaning—a life defined not by hardship, but by her enduring spirit. She was tough and direct, never afraid to speak her mind or stand her ground, yet beneath that strength was a deep well of care and compassion. Her honesty was grounded in love and often revealed through her quick wit and sharp sense of humor. Her resilience was matched only by her unwavering dedication to the people and values she held close.

𝗪𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘀. Happy Birthday. Your memory lives on through the many lives you touched.