Floreine Wickizer

Floreine Joy Wickizer was born August 9, 1915 in Pueblo, Colorado, to George and Ethyl Sinclair. She passed away peacefully at 96 on July 6, 2012 in Pueblo, Colorado. She married Graham Wickizer on May 29, 1939. At the time of his death on May 23, 1989 they had been married 50 years. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Ethyl Sinclair; brother, Walter; husband, Graham; sons-in-law, Phillip Nielsen, and Albert Hayden III. She is survived by her friend and companion of the past 20 plus years, Lloyd Romberger; children, Noma Nel Hayden (Ron) White; Joyce Nielsen; Gary (Rosita) Wickizer, aka Mo’ Kauffey; Terry (Tina) Wickizer; son-in-law, Marty Spritzer, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends. It was said by a dear friend, upon hearing of Floreine’s death that “She died young at an old age.” She was telling jokes and talking about her tattoo while in the St. Mary-Corwin emergency room. She was a kid at heart her whole life. Any time she had the opportunity to dress in costume she would jump at the chance. She graduated from Central High School in 1934 and never outgrew her enthusiasm to root for Central at the Bell Game each year. She earned a degree in Early Childhood Education and taught preschool at the Episcopal Church of Ascension, where she was a member. She was the wardrobe mistress for the church and had leading roles in the annual melodrama, where her performances were always well received. She was known by many names - Flo, Granny, Flossie. Her middle name was Joy and she always brought Joy to those around her. Floreine is a Lifetime Member of Beta Sigma Phi, Assistance League of Pueblo, and Campers Club. She loved fishing, camping, traveling, and meeting new people. No one was ever a stranger to Floreine. She enjoyed visits with family and friends (especially the little ones), playing cards and dominos, listening to live music, and laughing with people. Her door was always open at The Chateau at Sharmar and she loved interacting with people as they walked by. Floreine’s favorite song was Nat King Cole’s Nature Boy. She often said “The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.” Her painting, A Walk in the Forest was accepted for the Alzheimer’s Association® Memories in the Making® auction. She was very proud of her ability to still paint beautiful pictures. The family wishes to thank the staff and employees of The Chateau at Sharmar for the love and care they gave to Floreine the past three years. The love shared was mutual between them. Visitation, Tuesday, July 10, 6-8 pm, George McCarthy Funeral Home, 401 Broadway, Pueblo, CO. Memorial Service, Thursday, July 12, 10am, George McCarthy Historic Chapel, 400 Broadway, Pueblo, CO. Inurment Imperial Gardens. Online condolences, www.georgemccarthyfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Assistance League of Pueblo Building Fund or Pikes Peak Humane Society for the Waldo Canyon fire evacuation effort through the funeral home.