FLORENCE D. MROWCA

Florence D. Mrowca (nee Klaslo) died at home Monday, March 15, 2021. She was 96.

Born in the Bridgeport neighborhood in St. Bruno's parish, she was a lifelong Chicagoan and later longtime member of St.Turibius Catholic Church on the city's Southwest side. Together with her husband, the late John J. Mrowca, she raised six children and was active in the St. Turibius School Mother's Club. She led the church's Ladies Sodality of Blessed Virgin Mary group in the late 1940s. She later was active in the mothers' clubs for Brother Rice and Mother McAuley high schools when her children attended them in the 1970s and 1980s.

Florence was a true pioneer for women, working as head bookkeeper for Vessley's Ford automotive dealerships through the 1950s after attending business college. She also encouraged her five daughters to pursue the careers and families they wanted, and all six children completed college.

She was the ultimate caregiver: She cared for her parents, the late Louis D. and Veronica (nee Skopek) Klaslo, while raising her children. She was the mom on the block who welcomed all children in the back yard and had homemade cookies or Wyler's lemonade ready.

She lived a long service-oriented life. She knitted scarves and hats for the troops in World War II.

Florence was the loving mother of James (Jacqueline) Mrowca, Maryann (Timothy Pirkl) Mrowca, Lori Ann Mrowca, Juli Ann Mrowca, Rita Ann (Gregory) Hatfield and JoAnn (Michael) Louer.

She also was the treasured grandmother of Daniel (May Tabol), Thomas, Emily and the late Linda Pirkl; Joseph and Michael Mrowca; John, Sarah and Nicholas Hatfield; and Kate Louer; and dear great-grandmother of Cameron Pirkl.

Besides her parents, husband and granddaughter, she was preceded in death by brothers August (late Marian) Klaslo, Adolph (late Laura) Klaslo; and sisters Bernice (late Steve) Stec, and Marie (late Casimir Mazurek).

She was a loving mother, aunt, cousin and friend of many. Later in life, she was known to all as "Grandma Flo."

Visitation will be held Friday 4-7 p.m. at Wolniak Funeral Home, 5700 S. Pulaski Road and beginning at 10:15 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home until departure for 11 a.m. Funeral Mass at St. Turibius Church. Interment will be at Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St. Jude's Children's Hospital ( www.stjude.org/donate )  or the American Diabetes Association.

773-767-4500 or www.wolniakfuneralhome.com

Due to the State of Illinois COVID-19 guidelines, only 50 people, (including school age children) are permitted in the building at all times; this does not include funeral home staff or clergy/celebrant.  We kindly ask to keep your visitation very brief to allow all other guests to pay their respects and to minimize those people that are waiting outside in the cold.  Face masks, use of hand sanitizer and social distancing are required.  No one should come to the funeral home if they are sick or are caring for someone sick at home.

With the exception of bottled water, food and drinks are not allowed in the funeral home at the current time.

Thank you for your cooperation during these difficult times.