Florence T. Gotvald

Florence Gotvald, age 96, of Foley, passed away Feb. 12, 2023, at her home. Memorial service will be 12:30 p.m., Saturday, April 1, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Foley. The Rev. Glen Lewandowski will officiate and burial will take place in the parish cemetery.  Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Service with Dignity provided by the Foley Funeral Home.

Florence Theresa Gotvald was born Oct. 12, 1926, in Gilman, to Enoch and Anna (Wojciechowski) Lewandowski. She spent many long hours working side by side with her husband as they cleared land and began farming. She found time to help neighbors by giving haircuts and permanents, mending their clothes and sharing produce from her garden. She cut clothing patterns out of newspapers and sewed wedding dresses, formals and sport jackets.  Later, she was involved with craft sales and the selling of her handiwork such as quilts, pillowcases, dish towels and many other items.  Florence played musical instruments by ear, such as piano, accordion and harmonica. She loved going to the casino with family and friends and loved having her grandkids find treasures in the attic. Florence and Joe were members of St. Elizabeth’s  Catholic Church in Brennyville where she was a charter member of Christian Mothers for many years.  The couple joined St. John’s Parish after retiring from farming. The family wishes to thank everyone for their kindness and compassion shown to our mother.  No thank you cards will be sent. 

She is survived by her children: Gerry (Katrina), Hanceville, Alabama; Charlene (Mark) Thelen, Monticello; Duane (Jill), Gurley, Alabama.; Mark (Christ), Peasant Hill, California and Renell (Gary) of Huntington Beach, California, 15 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband of 70 years, Joe on Feb. 14, 2016, and siblings: Sr. Noel, OSB; Sr. Veronica, OSB; Louis, Irene Greiner, Jerome, Thomas, Norbert, Alphonse, Catherine Konen, Herman, LeRoy, Dennis and Leander.

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