Florence M. Woznicki

Was it coincidence or spiritual fate? Two hearts, separated by 18 years, called into eternal life, on December 12, the feast day of our Lady of Guadalupe. True believers and devoted followers of their faith, prayed for one another through the intercession of the Blessed Mother. Florence May Woznicki, formerly of South Bend IN, passed away on December 12, 2021 surrounded by her family, in her home in Trinity, FL. Flo was the oldest daughter, born to the late Henry and Josephine Fowler on March 8, 1931 in Beloit, Wisconsin. In 1938, the family move to Buchanan, MI. Flo later moved to Chicago, IL and graduated from Good Counsel High School, Chicago, IL in 1949. In 1948, a coworker invited Flo to her wedding, requesting she come alone, as the ‘best man’ of her wedding was single and she wanted to introduce them. As the story goes, Flo, loved to dance and met her husband, Ervin ‘Oily’ Woznicki (who preceded her on December 12, 2003) dancing up a storm at this wedding. It was love at first sight and 3 years later they married on May 26, 1951. Flo’s priority was her wonderful spouse, Erv, and her 5 children, Bill (Jennifer) of Sturgis, MI, Cheryl (Greg) Pope of South Bend, IN, Jeff of Trinity, FL, Jan (Bill, deceased) Stillson of South Bend, IN, and Robin (Dan, deceased) Fleck of Palm Harbor, FL. They were blessed with a mother whose calling was to love and care for them. She was the heart of their home. Her grandchildren were also the beneficiaries of her generous love – Ryan, Shaun (Tracy) and Kyle Pope, Ashley (Danny) and Katelyn (Kyle) Fleming, Derek (Lindsay), Theodore, and Gabrielle (fiance, Branden) Woznicki, Brandon (Patti) Fleck, and Heather (Keith) McMillan, Holly (Andy) Rickard, Hilary (Reid) Burchett, and Seth (Kristen) Baldridge. Flo was blessed with 23 great-grandchildren who referred to her as Grandma ‘Nicki, Grandma Flo, or lovingly, Grandma Mickey (as they all knew she lived in Florida). Thomas, Timothy, Tessa, Kasey, Tyler, and Logan Pope, Lilliann, Landon, Harper and Hailey Fleming, Bradley, Parker and Kennedy Woznicki, and Drey (Sydney), Warren, and Mackenzie McMillan, Waylon and Margie Rickard, Jaden, Josie and Journi Burchett, Hadlee and Holden Baldridge.

Flo is survived by her brother-in-law and sister-in-law Ralph (Sandra) Woznicki, and many nieces and nephews. Flo was preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law, Isabelle (Andrew) Molnar, her brother, Raymond Fowler, and her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Eugene (Rita) Woznicki.

An amazing lady, Flo was a rare and caring woman who had a lighthearted spirit which drew people to her and made her unforgettable. She would strike up a conversation with old friends or new ones, putting the recipient at ease with sincere questions about themselves.

Mrs. Woznicki, as the children called her, was also a ground breaking Preschool teacher at the Greenbriar Preschool for 15 years. Families with multiple children would send siblings, year after year, to Mrs. Woznicki’s preschool.

Flo and Oily had many wonderful friends whom they met through their employment at Bendix and also at the Morris Inn, on the Notre Dame Campus. A part time hostess in the Main Dining Room from 1954 – 1980, Flo then retired with Oily to Florida. While in Florida, Flo studied to become a realtor, and teamed up with her son, Jeff.

Flo (and Oily) loved to dance and enjoyed many wonderful evenings ‘Dancing the night away’ at beautiful ballrooms throughout the country. They both loved to travel and enjoyed several cruises, tours of Europe – including Rome and other countries. They also visited all 50 states in the U.S.

Wherever there was a need – be it family, friends, or strangers, Flo was always there to lend a hand. Flo was a former member of Christ the King Catholic Church (South Bend, IN) and served as a Eucharistic Minister and school volunteer. She was also a member of Espiritu Santo Catholic Church (Safety Harbor, FL) as an usher, Eucharistic minister, Eucharistic minister to the sick, and a volunteer in church and school. Flo was also a member of the Women of the Moose, Chapter #1614, Tarpon Springs, FL and the Polish American Club of Holiday, FL.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am (EST) on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at St Joseph Catholic Church, 225 S. Mill St, Mishawaka, IN 46544. Friends may visit with the family, at the church beginning at 10:00 am until the start of the mass. Fr. Don Woznicki, nephew of Flo, and Fr. Christopher Lapp, will be officiating. Interment will be at Highland Cemetery, South Bend, IN.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful neighbors of Spring Tree Village, Heritage Springs, Trinity, FL for the beautiful, candlelight prayer vigil celebrated in honor of Flo.

Memorial gifts for Flo may be made to Seasons Hospice 17757 U.S. Hwy 19 North, Suite 175, Clearwater, FL.33764; St. Joseph Catholic Church, 225 S. Mill St, Mishawaka, IN 46544; Christ the King Catholic Church, 52473 State Road 933, South Bend, IN 46637 or a charity of your choice.

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