Helen Floriene Gromatzky

Luke 2:29-31

“Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word; for mine eyes have seen thy salvation which thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples..”

Our beloved mother, Flo, age 87, passed peacefully into the loving arms of our Heavenly Father on Sunday, October 27, 2013. Mother was the living epitome of a “Proverbs 31” woman.

Born in Tahoka, Texas to Elmo Neal and Dolly Thornton August 10, 1926, Flo was a product of the Great Depression, living in central Texas where she learned to work hard and overcome life’s adversities. She graduated as valedictorian from Carlton High School. For many years to follow, and with a twinkle in her eye, Mom often remarked “You know, I was really smart in school.” Mom had a ready wit, movie star looks, a quick laugh, and a great sense of humor. God smiled on Mom in 1946, when, by chance, she met and then married Wilburne C. Gromatzky of Hamilton County, Texas, who had just returned from service in World War II as a B-29 navigator in the 20th Air Force. To Mom, Dad was a real hero and she was devoted to him, not only during their 50 year marriage, but also for the rest of her life. They truly enjoyed a fabulous marriage. Together with Dad, they were among the earliest members of Bethel Lutheran Church in Dallas, where she remained a faithful member for over 57 years, still regularly attending church despite illnesses. Her church was a great source of strength throughout her life. She was active in many church committees and projects including Ruth Circle, The Ladies Guild, and others. Mom was employed as a nutritionist for Bethel Lutheran School, and later spent over 18 years with The Science Place at Fair Park where she assisted teachers and docents in bringing the mysteries of nature and science to young children. For fun, Mom loved to fish and could intently watch a cork bob on the water for hours, ready to reel in “the big one”. She was an expert at sewing and loved to bake and cook. Family and friends fought over her fried chicken and chocolate chip cookies. Her “mustang” grape jelly, handpicked in the Hill Country became legendary. She loved Christmas like a little girl. Mom’s resilience, inner toughness, and fortitude are a source of inspiration for her family and all that knew her. Her faith allowed her to look forward to death as not an end, but as a new beginning.

She was predeceased by her husband, “Friday”, her parents, brother J. W. Thornton of Fayetteville, N.C., sisters Ann Williams, and Dorothy Jean Moxon of Cleburne, Texas. Mom is survived by her sons Charles Gromatzky and wife, Penny; Steve Gromatzky and wife, Kim; Carl Gromatzky and wife, Lydia. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Holly Jonsson, Ben Gromatzky and wife, Jamie; Taylor Gromatzky, Austin Gromatzky, Kathryn Gromatzky, Thomas Gromatzky, Joseph Gromatzky, as well as great-grandchildren William Jonsson, Oliver Jonsson, Samuel Gromatzky and Jack Henry Gromatzky. A special thanks to her caregiver and close family friend Hazel, for making the last few years of Mom’s life brighter. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to either Bethel Lutheran Church or the charity of their choice.

Visitation, Friday, November 1, 6-8:00 p.m. at Sparkman-Crane Funeral Home. Funeral services, Saturday, November 2 at 10:00 a.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church., 11211 E. Northwest Highway, Dallas, Texas 75238