Florence A. Woodarek

Mrs. Florence A. Woodarek, 94, of Salamanca, NY died early Sunday morning, August 26, 2018 at the Pines Health and Rehabilitation, Olean, NY following a long illness.

Born January 14, 1924 in Salamanca, NY, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Mary Lakoma Stefanski. She was married October 26, 1946 in the former Holy Cross Church to Raymond Woodarek, who predeceased her in 2007.

She had been employed with the Salamanca Central School District for over 25 years, retiring in 1985 as the secretary to the Superintendent of Schools and had worked in various school offices as well. She also worked with the Cattaraugus County Board of Elections as a poll watcher for many years.

She was a member of Our Lady of Peace Parish, its Altar & Rosary Society, and the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association. She was very active within the church, assisting the priest and her Parish.

Florence enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She painted and was very artistic. She enjoyed sewing, embroidering, and crocheting; she did fine stitch-work and will be remembered for the altar cloths at Our Lady of Peace. She also enjoyed gardening at her home and watching birds.

Surviving are: two daughters, Marsha (John) Beifuss, St. Mary’s, GA, Barbara Woodarek, Canastota, NY; a son, Thomas (Jean) Woodarek, Penfield, NY; three grandchildren, Jenna Woodarek, Webster, NY, Marla Woodarek, Washington, DC, John Woodarek, Penfield, NY; a brother, Henry Stefanski, Salamanca, NY; several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by five sisters, Stella Meyers, Mary Pounds, Helen Liguori, Jane Slevinski, Celia Prusnowski, and a brother, Edward Stefanski.

Friends may be received at Our Lady of Peace RC Church on Wednesday, August 29, 2018 from 12:30 – 1 p.m., at which time a Mass of Christian Burial will be held with Rev. Peter Napierkowski, pastor, as celebrant.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, NY.

Entombment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Salamanca, NY.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Our Lady of Peace Memorial Fund or Friends of Cattaraugus County Nursing Home.

E-condolences can be sent to orourke.orourkefh@gmail.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.