Florence A. Babiarz, Rn

AVOCA - Florence A. Babiarz, RN, 81, of Avoca, a resident of Mt. View Nursing Home, died Saturday at the CMC Hospital, Scranton. Born in Throop, August 8, 1930, she was a daughter of the late Joseph and Elizabeth Yatsko Lazorik. She graduated from St. Paul’s High School in 1948, Throop and in 1955 she graduated from St. Agnes School of Nursing, Philadelphia. On July 16, 1955 she married the late Edward E. “Smitty” Babiarz, who died July 19, 2007. Until retiring in 1988, Florence was a registered nurse, working at Scranton State Hospital, Mercy Hospital, Scranton, CMC, Scranton, the Taylor Hospital and Wesley Village. She was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Avoca, where she was a devoted member. She was also in the Altar and Rosary Society and the church choir. She loved to sing, sometimes even singing with Polka bands. Florence also enjoyed dancing Polkas. She spent time cooking, reading and speaking in Polish and Slovak. Florence loved the beach, and spending time with her immediate and extended family. She was artistically creative. In 1995 she pilgrimaged to Rome to have an audience with Pope John Paul II. Surviving Florence are: two sons, Andrew J. Babiarz, Avoca and Edward M. Babiarz and his partner Tim Greusel, of Sinking Spring and residents of Toronto, Ontario Canada; three daughters, Mary T. Webb and her partner Bill Sender, Clarks Summit, Ann B. and her husband Michael Caputo, West Pittston, and Flossie Babiarz, Old Forge; a granddaughter, Theresa Romaldini, Pittston; a family friend, JoAnn Arlandis, Old Forge; several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and her husband of 52 years, Florence was preceded in death by: a granddaughter, Jessica Rose Webb; a son in law, Sante Romaldini; brothers, Stephen “Tibby” Lazorik, and Joseph Lazorik; sisters, Elizabeth Mehok and Mary M. Arnone. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10 AM in the St. Mary’s Church, Hawthorne St., Avoca, with the Reverend Phil Sladicka officiating. Family and friends may call at the Kniffen O’Malley Funeral Home, 728 Main St., Avoca, on Tuesday evening from 5-8 PM and Wednesday morning from 8:45-9:45 AM. Interment will be in Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery, Avoca. Memorial contributions can be made in Florence’s name to your charity of choice.