Florence Borek

In many ways, Florence Borek defined the meaning of devoted wife, dedicated mother, loyal friend and a woman devout in her faith. A true blessing, her generous spirit, giving nature and warmhearted ways was an inspiration and gift to those who loved and cared for her. Florence will be fondly remembered with joy.

A time of great change, the Roaring 20s brought many changes to America. Women won the right to vote, and prohibition took effect, making way for bootleggers and gangland mobs alike. Families tuned their radios to the first broadcast baseball game, jazz music blossomed, and the flapper redefined womanhood. Marked many firsts in America, the Walt Disney Company was founded in 1923 and insulin became available for diabetics just as the 8-hour workday was established in the prospering economy. In the thriving city of Grand Rapids, Michigan along the Grand River, Amphter and Stella ((Pacer) Borute welcomed the birth of their second child on May 24, 1923 and lovingly named their new baby girl Florence.

Florence grew up with her sisters Loretta, Ruth and brother Herman on Richards Street on the west side of Grand Rapids in a close knit Polish community. Her father, a laborer, worked for a local factory while her mother remained at home as a homemaker. A devout Catholic family, they were faithful members of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church where Florence made each of her sacraments. With John Ball Park nearby, Florence, along with her siblings and friends, enjoyed memorable times during her youth growing up in the area. She spent summers swimming in the park pool, and skated on the pond and went sledding during the winter. Having attended Sacred Heart Elementary School, Florence graduated from Union High School with the Class of 1941 where she was a member of the National Honor Society.

Many weekends were spent taking in one of the many dances at the local halls, and during her teen years she worked part-time at area farms. She later went on to work at Applied Arts. Life as Florence knew it soon changed when she agreed to go on a blind date with a dashing young man named Victor Borek. Quite smitten, the two began dating, thoroughly enjoying one another’s company. When the U.S. became heavily engaged in World War II, Victor was drafted and entered the Army. They faithfully kept in touch through letters, and realized they were deeply in love. Upon his discharge from the service, Victor returned home to his anxious Florence and asked for her hand in marriage. They shared wedding vows before family and friends on November 17, 1945 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church

Victor and Florence made their home together on Jennette Street before later building a home on Crestwood while he supported his new bride as a carpenter. They were overjoyed when they welcomed two adopted sons into their lives. Ron was born in 1958 and Gerald followed in 1959. Blessed beyond compare, Florence felt truly complete taking care of her family and made a wonderful home for them. A great cook, she made delicious Polish dishes of kapusta, golumbki, perogies and kielbasa. As a family memorable times were shared camping in their trailer traveling to California, Colorado, Utah, Washington, Canada and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Always keeping busy with family, church and friends, Florence found time to sew and did much mending and made her own curtains. She loved to knit and crochet, making warm mittens and blankets, some of which continue to be treasured. Florence enjoyed taking ceramic classes and made many gifts throughout the years. Close to her heart was the peace and joy she found gardening. A wonderful gardener, Florence had a vegetable garden where she grew a bounty of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, zucchini and lettuce. She also had a talent for flower gardening, and took great pride in her yard and maintained a beautifully manicured lawn.

Great when it came to socializing, Florence loved the company of family and friends. She and Victor were on several bowling leagues for many years, and weekend card parties were enjoyed by all. They did much with close friends and with Victors’ brothers and wives. As longtime members of the Sixth Street Hall, Florence was always up for a good polka dance. In everything she did, Florence brought a smile to the faces of others as they felt the warmth of her presence. She placed the needs of others before her own, genuine in her care and concern for them. Generous with her time and talents, she was the first to lend a hand when needed and gave to charity organizations faithfully. She served her church as a member of the Altar Rosary Society. A compassionate soul, she loved others unconditionally. Devout in her Catholic faith, she attended Mass regularly and prayed her Rosary faithfully.

In her free time, most often while knitting or crocheting, Florence loved watching Lawrence Welk, The Price Is Right and ice skating. When her husband Victor retired from Owen, Ames and Kimble at the age of 62, the pair had more time to enjoy a shared love for travel. They visited Hawaii and took several enjoyable cruises. They remained quite social, all while enjoying their time together and with friends. It proved to be a difficult time for Florence when Victor developed lymphoma. He later died in 1996, and she was lovingly sustained through her strong faith, family and friends. She continued to care for her yard and busied herself with friends. When someone became a friend to Florence, she was their friend for life. She could always be counted on, and enjoyed doing for others. Considerate and compassionate, she truly lived life abundantly.

Florence suffered from high blood pressure and was hospitalized several times. When she no longer could remain on her own, she went to live at the Sanctuary at St. Mary’s and made the most of living there. She made many new friends, and was always caring towards the residents and staff there. Even still, she remained optimistic about returning home one day. In December 2008, Florence suffered a massive stroke. As her health continued to diminish, she was placed in the care of Hospice while her children kept a constant vigil by her side. Even under these circumstances, Florence asked for a dish of kielbasa. Fortunately she recovered and her loved ones were granted additional time to appreciated her and cherish her.

With her warm and caring ways, Florence touched many hearts while at the Sanctuary at St. Mary‘s. As her health issues took their toll, Florence sadly died on Thursday, April 15, 2010 at the age of 86. She will be forever remembered and deeply missed in the hearts of those she touched with her genuine kindness and love.

Besides her husband, Florence was preceded in death by her sister Ruth “Rosie“ Boruta and her brother, Herman Boruta. She is survived by her children, Ron and Mary Borek, Gerald Borek and fiancé, Judy Van Coevring; her sister, Loretta (Leonard) Karsak; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Jean Boruta, Ruth Borek, Gene and Marie Borek; nieces, nephews and many friends. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, April 19, 2010, 10:00 AM at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church with visitation at the church one hour prior to the Mass. Burial in Holy Cross Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet her family at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home–Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW on Sunday, 2-4 and 7-9 PM with a Rosary at 2:00 PM. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff at Sanctuary of St. Mary’s for their loving care of Florence and her family the past two years. For those who wish, memorial contributions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church Building Fund would be appreciated. Please visit www.lifeswotrynet.com to leave a favorite memory or photo of Florence and to sign her online guest book.