Florence B. (Drozdowski) Kiss

Florence Kiss, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at the age of 101. She was born on July 25, 1924, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to John Drozdowski and Mary Sienkiewicz.

Florence grew up on Polish Hill, attending Catholic primary school, and cherished her childhood with her step-siblings Ann Plant, John Drost, and Dolores Lako, and her younger brother, Raymond. As a teenager, she lived with her godmother Helen while attending St. Augustine High School in Pittsburgh where she graduated before moving to Detroit to join her mother.

It was in Detroit, at a going-away party for men leaving for service in 1944, that Florence met the love of her life, Andy John Kiss of Albany, Louisiana. Andy won her heart with cab rides, evenings of dancing, and trips to the movies. They married on August 19, 1944, at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Detroit. Their wedding was a true wartime celebration—neighbors pooled their war rations to provide a cake, Florence wore a Swiss dot gown, and carried white gladiolas.

During World War II, Florence worked at the Heinz factory building wings for military gliders. For her service, she was honored in 2024 with the Rosie the Riveter Congressional Gold Medal.

Florence and Andy welcomed their son, Steve, on September 26, 1945, and “Stevie” remained her pride and joy throughout her life.

She built a distinguished career in banking, rising through the ranks at Michigan National Bank to become Vice President. Florence retired on December 31, 1984, after 22 years of service. Dedicated to lifelong learning, she attended Wayne State University and earned her graduate certificate in retail banking from the University of Virginia at the age of 50.

Florence’s adventurous spirit took her across the world, with cherished memories from Hawaii, Mexico, Jamaica, San Diego, and a special trip to Poland. She loved music deeply—buying herself a piano for her 35th birthday, playing favorites like the Black Hawk Waltz, and passing on her love for piano to both of her granddaughters. She delighted in polkas and dancing.

In 2008, Florence moved to Colorado to be near her son Steve, his wife June, and her three grandchildren. Her family was her greatest joy, and she embraced every moment with them.

Florence is survived by her son, Steve Kiss (June, deceased); grandchildren Lori Romero (Robert), Shawn Warn (David), and Steve Andy Kiss II (Candi); great-grandchildren Robert Leroy Romero Jr. (Jenny), Jon Patrick Romero, Jacob Andrew Kiss, Jasmine Marie Kiss, Jackson David Warn, Benjamin Patrick Warn, and Maxwell James Warn; and great-great-grandchildren Jace Landon Romero, Zoe Louise Romero, and Myles Jordan Vaughan; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Florence was a Daughters of Isabella in Michigan. She was also part of the 1st Lady Knights of Columbus Assembly Patrick O’Kelly Council.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Association of the Miraculous Medal, 1811 West Saint Joseph Street, Perryville, Missouri 63775, or online at www.amm.org.

Florence’s life was defined by love, faith, and joy. Her memory will live on in the music she played, the stories she told, and the family she treasured above all.