Josephine Irene Fleck

Josephine Irene Fleck, nee Galli, a 40 year resident of Tallahassee, Florida, passed away at home, at the age of 91, on June 5, 2019. Josephine was born November 27, 1927, to Francis Galli and Mary Suzio Galli, of New Kensington, PA. Josephine was the oldest of three Galli children, having been preceded in death by her brother, Dominic, and is survived by her sister Judith Galli, of New Kensington, PA. Josephine was a member of the Class of 1946, graduating from St. Josephs High School in Natrona, PA. She married her classmate, the love of her life, Henry “Hank” Fleck on September 15, 1949. Henry preceded Josephine in death on April 25, 2018. Josephine and Hank relocated soon after their wedding to Winchester, Oregon, where they lived for 11 years, raising their first six children. In 1960, the Fleck family migrated, via a cross country drive to Florida, where they grew into the Fleck Flock with a total of 13 children under tow. Hank joined his younger brother, Regis, in business while Josephine continued in the world’s hardest profession, wife, mother and homemaker. She dedicated herself to taking loving care of Hank and their “baker’s dozen”. She also found time to assist Hank in his custom drapery business with long hours at her beloved Singer sewing machine. After relocating to Tallahassee in 1979, Josephine worked for the Leon County School System as a secretary at FDLRS, where her secretarial skills were augmented by her kindness, open heart and unwavering patience. She retired in 2005 after over 20 years of dedicated service. As the Flock continued to grow into a multitude of grands and great-grands, Josephine, also known as “Grandma Jo” & “JoJo”, took great care to make sure each of them knew how much they were loved, accepted and how special they each were to her. Through events like decorating Easter Eggs & Gingerbread Houses, Christmas Eve Tree Trimming, La Befana, puzzles, games, and books she touched each of their hearts and gave them memories that will last a lifetime. Josephine was also a member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church, where she selflessly shared her spiritual depth and creative spirit – teaching the children of the Good Shepherd community for over 20 years. Josephine inspired each child’s understanding and love of their God, through creativity and freedom of self-expression. Josephine will be remembered by everyone who knew her, as a source of unconditional love; a woman of great strength and selflessness; one of compassion and a profound love for all children. She will be deeply missed by her 13 children; their spouses, whom she loved as her own; 39 grandchildren; and her 32 great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Big Bend Hospice. Mom…Grandma Jo… JoJo – you nourished all that is good in us and we will forever love you, “A BUSHEL AND A PECK AND A HUG AROUND THE NECK”……….and it will always fit!