Florence Lenora Mulhern

Florence Lenora Mulhern, aged 95, peacefully passed away on March 25, 2020, in Wichita, KS. Born on September 8, 1924, on a farm near Summerfield, Kansas, Florence was the beloved daughter of Simon Oscar Schilling and Edith Vivian Volle. With her parents and sister, Florence immigrated to a farm near St. Gregor, Saskatchewan, Canada in January 1927. The children at that time went to a one-room schoolhouse called Diamond Willow, through the 10th grade. Florence came down to Kansas in 1943 to help with her grandmother and graduated from Summerfield High School in 1945. Florence was a woman of many talents including, working at a sardine factory in Vancouver, embracing the role of a farmer's wife, and serving as a clerk for various organizations.

Throughout her life, Florence found joy in many passions, with traveling holding a special place in her heart as she frequently traveled between Kansas and Canada. Her interests ranged from fishing to crocheting and knitting. Beyond her personal pursuits, Florence devoted herself to community service, volunteering at St. Joseph’s Hospital and serving as President of the auxiliary. She also took on leadership roles, District IV Coordinator and President of the Hospital Auxiliary of Kansas (HAK), and participated in Women In Construction, and the Business and Professional Women (BPW) -Twin Lakes.

Florence's dedication extended beyond borders, as she traveled extensively with HAK to conventions, to Ireland (three times), Hawaii, the Philippines, and Houston, TX. A devout member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Florence was cherished for her involvement in the Altar Society and renowned for her delicious pies. Known for her warmth and generosity, Florence touched countless lives with her unwavering kindness. She possessed a multitude of talents but above all, a boundless capacity to care for others.

Family held a special place in Florence's heart, particularly her grandchildren, with whom she cherished spending time. Her legacy lives on in the memories of those fortunate enough to have known her, forever inspired by her enduring spirit of love and compassion.

Florence is preceded by her parents, sibling Dorothy (Clifford) Johnston, children William Bruchman III, and one great-grandchild. After her passing she had a daughter Judith “Judy” (Ken) Terhune, and daughter-in-law Macrina (Oscar) Mulhern pass away. She is survived by her children Helen (Richard) Fripp, Oscar Robert Mulhern, Teresa Mulhern, Dorothy (Daniel R. Pogue) McKinney, and Mary (Richard) Wilson, son-in-law Ken (Judy) Terhune, 23 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be on June 8, 2024, at 10 AM with a Mass of Christian Burial following at 10:30 AM at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church located at 2007 N. Arkansas Ave., Wichita, KS 67203. The burial will follow after Mass at Resurrection Cemetery located at 1640 N. Maize Rd., Wichita, KS 67212. A luncheon and gathering will be at St. Patrick’s after the burial in the Mother Teresa room.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorial donations to be made to either the Via Christi Foundation located at 1100 N. St. Francis Ste 100., Wichita, KS 67214, or to the Catholic Charities of Wichita, KS located at 437 N. Topeka Ave., Wichita, KS 67202. Please put “Florence Mulhern” In the memo of any checks written, thank you.

Thank you for being here to honor the life of our beloved Florence. Your presence and support mean the world to us during this difficult time. While we grieve Florence's passing, we find comfort in our shared memories and the love surrounding us.

With heartfelt gratitude,

The Family