Born in Knottsville, Ky., Anna Paschal was the daughter of James and Florence Riley Monarch. She attended Mount Saint Joseph Academy during the school year 1909-1910, and entered the novitiate at Mount Saint Joseph on July 10. Anna received the Ursuline habit and the name Sister Florence on August 30, 1910.
In 1919, Sister Florence was one of the first nine Ursuline Sisters sent to New Mexico, to start schools there in Farmington, Blanco, and Waterflow. Sister Florence was missioned to St. Rose School in Blanco where she remained for that school year. Other assignments took her to the Kentucky schools of St. Hubertus Academy in Owensboro, St. Columba School in Louisville, St. Charles School in Bardwell, St. Joseph School in Mayfield, and St. Romuald School in Hardinsburg. Her other out-of-state assignment was Seven Holy Founders School in Affton, Mo. She was housekeeper on many of her missions but many times she was the teacher in primary grades. Sister Florence was missioned several times to Mount Saint Joseph Academy where she served as a substitute teacher.
Sister Florence returned to Mount Saint Joseph in 1951, and kept occupied with various duties around the Motherhouse. She assisted in the making of the Sisters’ habits and in caring for the small children of the workers. During her last years, Sister Florence suffered from phlebitis. Eventually, she was admitted to Mercy Hospital in Owensboro where she died on December 29, 1962. Two days later, Msgr. Albert Thompson, chaplain, celebrated the funeral Mass. The remains of Sister Florence are buried in the convent cemetery.