Florence Marie Franke

Florence Marie (Nawrocki) Franke, a person of strong will and tenacious love for her children and husband, passed away at home on March 30, 2023 surrounded by her family, after many years of battling multiple health challenges.

Florence, a Boca Raton, Florida resident, led a prayerful and thoughtful life dedicated to her beloved husband, Robert Franke, seven children, 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. She also was deeply committed to her sister Christine and her children.

Faith, family, friends and children were the hallmarks of Florence’s life. Her generous spirit, dedication and loyalty, knew no bounds. By design, her days were filled to the hilt with endeavors that either found solutions to the problems of her loved ones or helped advanced their dreams.

Nurturing young children, “the little people,” up to their adolescent years and beyond was her treasured mission, and she did it with gusto too! Arts and crafts, baby sitting, swimming, sledding, family vacations, sewing Halloween costumes, making candy apples, picnics at the beach, assembling college-care packages, baking sweet treats, amusement parks, they were all among her greatest joys.

Through the years, Florence reveled in her family time. During the holidays and summer months, her homes in Niagara Falls, New York or Boca Raton, Florida became Extended Stay Family Lodges. She frequently hosted her husband’s family, children’s families, children’s friends, grandchildren, grandchildren’s friends, sisters’ children, her dear brother Father Xavier Nawrocki, OFM Conv (deceased), and also his fellow priests. And of course everyone’s pets too.

Florence’s exceptional big-crowd baking and cooking skills, as well as her and Robert’s legendary passion for holiday and birthday celebrations, made family gatherings an Extravaganza!

The only thing stronger than Florence’s commitment to her family was her lifetime dedication to the Roman Catholic Church, and her devotion to the Blessed Mother. She always pointed to her faith as a source of strength and energy that served her well in all aspects of life, but especially in her pursuit of raising a large family. Another source of comfort was Florence’s Polish heritage. She revered Polish food, traditions and the language.

In the late 1950s, she worked in Lewiston, New York for the Atomic Energy Commission’s Model City office as an executive secretary. In the 1970s, she was employed by the Dunlop Tire Company, in Tonawanda, NY. She was a volunteer for the Niagara County AARC, a Girl Scouts leader, and served as president of the 66th Street School Parent Teacher Association, Niagara Falls, NY.

Florence was survived by her children R. Bryan Franke (Theresa), Troy, NY; Michele Leissle, Boca Raton, FL; Alisa Sherman (Steve), Boca Raton, FL; Darice Destino (Louis), Niagara Falls, NY; Sheryl Oswald (Mark), Ransomville, NY; Jonathan Franke (Lori), Willsboro, NY; and Laudine Henson (Eric), Homosassa, FL.

Her survivors also include her “Little Sister” Christine (Charles, deceased) Flanagan, Davenport, FL; Davina (David) Domenico, Penfield, NY, niece; and David Romanchick, Port St. Lucie, FL, nephew.

Also among her survivors are grandchildren: Dannette Rustico, Louis “Buddy” Destino, Analise Sherman, Devin Watson, Tara Franke, Joel Destino, Kayla Williams, Victoria Radigan, Max Destino, Jillian Smith, Sam Oswald, and Lauren Oswald; and great grandchildren: Ben, Sophia, Louis “Sonny,” Grant, Lorenzo, Liliana, Leila, Brady, Elle, Jack, “Little Florence,” and Vivian.

Florence was born in Niagara Falls, New York. She was predeceased by her husband Robert Franke, and also her parents John and Stella Nawrocki.

At the age of 87, Florence passed on to eternal life. She lived with her daughter Michele, who for many years provided her Mom with extraordinary care. Florence also benefited greatly from the nursing skills of her daughter Alisa, as well as the assistance, thoughtfulness and support she received from her other children, and grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at Our Lady of Lourdes, Boca Raton, FL. Interment will follow the Mass at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery, Royal Palm Beach, FL.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Companions of St. Anthony, 12290 Folly Quarter Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21042 or the Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, P.O. Box 167, Youngstown, NY 14174.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BabioneBocaRaton.com for the Franke family.