Florence Helen Matuszak

Florence Helen Matuszak was born in 1916, by a midwife in her mother, Julia's (Julyanna's) home. Can you imagine how different it was back then? As a child, her family wasn't rich in terms of possessions but they shared a lot of love. She was humble but strong and loved life. How many times did I hear the story of how the bones from the leftover chicken they had for dinner became soup for the dinner the next day. They didn't waste anything. She never threw out that last slice of bread even if it was getting stale. They had hand-me-down clothes and shoes. Yet my Aunt told me recently that when my mother got her first job at Woolworth's at approximately age 18, she would buy household things for Julia, and gifts such as sweaters or toys for her brothers and sisters. She was beautiful then, and she remained a beautiful woman her entire life. Everyone commented on her beautiful skin. She would say "Use Neutrogena!" She loved two cups of coffee in the morning. She loved raisin bread covered with butter. She loved fruit. She hated cooking (although she made a great pot of chicken soup and dumplings!) but if you were visiting her, she'd always offer you some simple food as her gesture of love. She had beautiful hands and nails. She had beautiful legs, too, but you hardly ever saw them because she always preferred slacks. She was ahead of her time in some ways...she gave us "healthy" snacks when we were kids- carrots sticks and celery - when we really wanted cookies or ice cream. She was beautiful "on the inside" also -she taught us to judge people based upon their character and not their skin color or religion. She worked all her life when most women were housewives. She loved working and hated when the day came that she couldn't go to work anymore. Work for her was a joyful place where she got to talk to co-workers and customers, and everyone at her jobs loved and valued her skills as well as her personality. She loved to casually chat with whoever she would meet. People would tell me "Your Mom is so nice" or "She is really special".

Florence was predeceased by her husband, Bronislaus ("Brownie"). She is survived by her daughters Marilyn Travis Berman (Ray Berman) and Laurie M. Karamat (Khaqan Chris Karamat). Florence has one much beloved grandson, Michael Gregory Karamat (Melissa Wallace Karamat). Flo continues to have two living siblings: Josephine Schwendner (Raymond) and Daniel Bukowski ( Dolores). Her siblings who predeceased her were Rose Loftus (Joseph), Barbara Bukowski, Veronica Matuszak (Joseph), Theodore Bukowski (Jean), Leo Bukowski (Adelle), and Richard Bukowsi (Dolores).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.