Florence Veronica Kossow, 89, Waterford, died June 2, 2012, at an Alzheimer Care Unit in Kenosha. She was born in Milwaukee, on Jan. 29, 1923, to the late Anton and Frances (Grajkowski) Switala. She grew up in Milwaukee.
On Aug. 30, 1947, she married Richard O. Kossow who preceded her in death on March 2, 2001.
She was a cook for Food Service at Southern Colony in Union Grove and also at St. Thomas Graded School in Waterford. She loved to travel and enjoyed card playing, knitting, crocheting and gardening.
Survivors include her children, Bob (Peggy), Penny (John) Willkomm, Gus (Evey), Ed (Judy); grandchildren, Craig, Amber, Danny, Tony, Novia, Tiffany, Mark, Michael, Karie and Judy; five great-grandchildren and one on the way; one sister, Geraldine Kossow; nieces; nephews; other relatives and friends.
She was further preceded in death by her daughter, Karen Kossow-Meyer in 2003.
Visitation is Wednesday, June 6, from 4-6:45 p.m., at Mealy Funeral Home, 225 W. Main St., Waterford. .Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., on Thursday, June 7, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 305 S. First St., Waterford. Burial will be in the church cemetery following Mass.
In lieu of floral expressions of sympathy, the family suggests memorials to the Wisconsin Chapter of Alzheimer’s Association: 620 South 76th St., Suite 160, Milwaukee, WI 53214-1549.
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Dear dear family of Florence— I think of you often. You showed such love to the workers at ClareBridge….and you were such an example of how to care for your aging mother.
Florence was very special to me. She was an example of contentment and kindness. She was one of my first residents needing Speech after I accepted the speech therapy position with Innovative Senior Care about two years ago.
I was very sorry that I was out of time at the time of Florence’s death. I remember going into her room before I left for a mini-vacation early in June. She was on oxygen then already and she asked me, “What do I do?” I told her just to “rest in the loving arms of Jesus, our Savior.” I knew she knew that Christ died for her….and she was ready to live in Heaven! She talked often about her special angel and how she was watched over. I miss Florence, but I am glad she is out of the confusion that Alzheimer’s can bring!
I think of you–Penny. You were always by her side when she needed you. I think of the beautiful family photo all collage–one that helped everyone know who belonged to what family and who the newest baby was!
Florence had her favorite rock– the one on her table … knowing it brought her joy…even if she didn’t exactly know where she got it and why it helped give her a peace and calmness. Florence lives in my heart and her contentment is an inspiration.
I just wanted you to know—- because I didn’t get to write earlier. Sincerely, Sue Schlais–speech therapist and friend of Florence Kassow!