The Tri-Village area is home to many people who have been very active in central Ohio over the years. Marble Cliff resident Floradelle Pfahl is certainly one of them. So well regarded for her community leadership, Pfahl has been given many honors, including a Doctor of Humane Letters from Ohio Dominican College (1993) and the Capital Women of Achievement Award (2012) for 50 years of service to United Way and the YWCA.
“I grew up in Akron and received a B.S. in education from the University of Akron. I was raised during the Great Depression and my parents were always helping others. I have tried to do the same,” Pfahl says.
She met John Pfahl while they were attending the University of Akron. They married and started their family in Columbus while John was earning his doctorate at The Ohio State University.
“We have three wonderful children, Jay, Chris and Susan; eight grandchildren and one great granddaughter. Unfortunately, none live in Columbus, so I do not get to see them as often as I would like,” Pfahl says.
“John, an Ohio State University professor and business consultant, was the one who encouraged me to do something I wanted to do, which was helping in the community. He felt the same about serving others, but did not have the time as I did. So I got involved, working in the group that started the Buckeye Boys Ranch and, in time, chairing The Columbus Foundation, The Columbus Museum of Art (CMA), Buckeye Boys Ranch, Columbus Panhellenic Association, Riverside Methodist Hospital Foundation, Ohio United Way, CMA’s Decorator’s Show House and Action for Children.”
She has served on the boards of the Greater Columbus Arts Council, Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio, Riverside Methodist Hospital, Ohio Dominican College, Opera Columbus, ProMusica, United Way of Franklin County and Women’s Association for the Columbus Zoo.
As she puts it, “I’ve done the gamut, from being a Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader to being a member of the Mayor’s Committee for the (Columbus) Bicentennial, Advisor of Phi Mu Sorority at Ohio State, Past President and 60-plus year member of the Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church and a volunteer for many other organizations.
“I have been active ever since, but fortunately, John and I got to travel extensively before his death in 1994. I’ve been to 149 countries and love traveling, with Paris and London being my favorite cities. I’ll be in Spain later this year on a CMA tour. And I’d still like to visit Ethiopia one day.”
Currently, Pfahl is a part-time resident of Key West, Fla. and enjoys reading, golf, bridge and cooking.
“I’ve even ‘invented’ a Kahlua and coffee ice cream pie which friends say is very good!” she says.
She collects pieces of art glass, especially those by noted glass artist and central Ohio native Christopher Ries.
Frequently seen in Marble Cliff with her beloved Yorkie, Angel, Pfahl says, “I’d never had a dog and now she takes me for walks. I enjoy walking in Marble Cliff. It’s a pretty little community.”
Her sense of duty to others remains. She is still active in many groups and serves on the boards of The Ohio State University Foundation and the Columbus Museum of Art. “I love the museum and want to see the new building completed. I am so proud of what the museum has done. Being awarded the 2013 National Medal for Museum and Library Service is most deserved,” she says. Pfahl was instrumental in the cooperative effort among the CMA, Marble Cliff and the local historical society during the Society’s 2013 house tour that highlighted artist Gorge Bellows’ personal connection to the community.
She believes Columbus has become a great city, but there is work to do to make it even better. “I’m concerned about the lack of winter shelter for Columbus families. I’m ashamed that this great city has this problem.” When asked what she would tell those thinking about community service, she quickly replies, “It’s your duty to help your community. Get involved!”
Pfahl certainly has done that.
