Nina Florenz

Nina Florenz passed away peacefully on March 31, 2025, in Wilmington, Delaware, with her daughters by her side. Nina was born in Tel Aviv, Israel, and immigrated to the United States with her parents at the age of five—an early journey that shaped her resilient, curious spirit and deep appreciation for possibility.

At the heart of Nina’s life was her devotion to her family. Nina deeply loved and supported her daughters, modeling an incredible work ethic, giving advice to help them navigate life, volunteering to help with their childhood activities, and providing financial support to enable both to pursue graduate degrees in their 20’s. Nina helped plan their weddings and was present at the birth of all three of her grandchildren. She loved to buy gifts first for her daughters and then later her grandchildren, delighting especially in Christmas morning present opening. She loved her family fiercely, supported them endlessly, and found her greatest joy in their happiness. She was their confidante, their greatest supporter.

Nina was also a trailblazing and passionate professional. As the President and CEO of Kirkland Insurance Associates for more than 35 years, she helped thousands of people navigate the complexities of health insurance with clarity and compassion. Her life’s work was about more than policies and plans—it was about standing up for others, especially those from disadvantaged or immigrant communities who had difficulty navigating the system. She was a fierce advocate for those who had lost coverage or faced unjust systems, often going above and beyond. Her dedication to doing what was right earned her national recognition, including a feature in the Seattle Times titled “Stopped from Doing the Right Thing,” which chronicled her courageous work with Seattle’s AIDS community. She also served on an Advisory Committee for the Insurance Commissioner of Washington State, working to improve health care access for all.

Those who knew Nina remember her strength, independence, and generosity. She loved lively meals and late-night conversations, was a formidable Scrabble and Phase 10 player, and had a gift for deep listening. Spiritually curious and open-minded, Nina drew wisdom and comfort from many traditions, especially those rooted in nature, healing, and the sacred.

She is survived by her daughters and their spouses, Geneva (Rob) and Rebecca (Scott), her three grandchildren, Samantha (11), William (8), and Luke (7), and her niece Lily.  She leaves behind her best friend and longtime business partner, Wendy Reiss; and a wide circle of friends, clients, and loved ones whose lives she shaped with kindness and conviction. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, and her sister-in-law. Nina also shared a lifelong and meaningful connection with her ex-husband, Harry, whose presence influenced many chapters of her story.

Nina’s love lives on—in the people she cherished and the values she upheld. Her legacy is woven into every act of care and advocacy she offered, and into the hearts of those who carry her spirit forward.