Florence Szczepkowski

Madison - Florence Szczepkowski, nee Balchunas, has died at the age of 97, with her two daughters by her side. Florence was born on October 17, 1920 in Chicago, Illinois, the youngest of 5 children. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Clement, and all of her siblings. She is survived by her daughters, Karen (Joseph) Martinelli and Linda Szczepkowski; grandchildren, Adrianne Bockhorst, Anthony, Michael and Jazmine Martinelli; and great-grandchildren, Miles and Isla Bockhorst.

Florence lived the first part of her life in Chicago, close to her extended family. She was involved in her daughters’ Girl Scout troop activities and loved bowling for many years. Florence worked at Nabisco cookie company on the Oreo line where she made many friends, several of whom she went with to Vegas. Florence loved to play the slots, as well as the lottery for many years. She also greatly enjoyed playing pinochle games with nieces Janet and Kay, and friends. Florence and Clem went on many travels, both in the US and abroad.

After Clement's death, Florence moved to Madison in 1989 to be near her daughters. She lived there for 19 years, where she made many new friends with her social and witty personality. She volunteered with the American Cancer Society and was very involved with Theater Bus, going to many events and performances. Florence moved to the Milwaukee area in 2008, where she lived with her daughter Karen and son-in-law Joe. She enjoyed spending time with grandchildren and great-grandchildren, playing Chicken Foot, Rummy and Words with Friends. Florence returned to Madison in 2014 to live with her daughter, Linda. She enjoyed meeting people at the condo and having some laughs poolside. She always enjoyed having family and friends around her celebrating events.

Florence was a wonderful, loving and friendly woman, bright and perceptive to the end of her days, who will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be held at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N. Sherman Ave, Madison, on Saturday, February 17, from 4 – 7 p.m. Burial will be at Lithuanian National Cemetery in Chicago, on February 18 at noon, next to Clem. Her family would like to thank all of her caregivers, and the staff at Agrace HospiceCare, for their compassion and support.

“Grieve not, nor speak of me with tears, but laugh and talk of me as if I were beside you there.” – Isla Paschal Richardson

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
2418 N. Sherman Ave.
608-249-8257