June 17, 1918 - October 7, 2017
Six months short of her 100th birthday my Grandma Florence had a small stroke in her home. She was rushed to the hospital and a few days later passed away. She was surrounded by her children and loved ones, and we were are all so grateful that she passed without pain.
Ninety-nine amazing years, she never lost mental facilities and lived at home until the very end.
Florence's life started on June 17, 1918, when she was born at home for $2.00, as that is all the doctor charged back then.
When Florence was three years old her family moved to Brooklyn, from the Lower East Side, purchasing a home that had two floors and a basement along with a "stall shower." My Grandma said this was so exciting for everyone because only the nicest homes had separate showers. The home consisted of only two bedrooms and one bathroom, but lots of living space including a parlor.
Florence at age two with her two siblings and mother Pauline.
Florence's father always worked as a furrier, growing up my Grandma remembers always having new fur coats. Because she and her sister were only 18 months apart my Grandma said "we looked like twins in our new fur coats."
In the summer all the children would play on the streets. Four corners, kick the can, softball "from sewer to sewer" and tennis were favorites. Morris and Pauline added to their family again with Selma and a few years later with their last daughter Eleanor.
The fur business was hot back then, and my Grandma remembers living quite comfortably, even through the depression. They had a car, a Studebaker touring car which they all would ride in joyfully through Brooklyn.
Florence married and had three children of her own, my dad being the youngest born in 1953. They led a happy and comfortable life. Florence loved her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren fiercely and made sure everyone understood that her home was always open to visitors.
Grandma, you will be missed. I love you and aspire to be as thoughtful, loving and wonderful as you have always been.
