Friday, August 6, 2021
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Remembering Florence Pfriender (Aunt Flos)
My Aunt Flos was a sweet, kind, generous person. She was born in 1928, the middle child of three girls. My mother Helen was her "big sister". She attended St.Pancras grammar school and graduated from St Joseph's High School. In her later years she earned an Associate degree and paralegal certificate. As a secretary who started out with shorthand and typewriter, she later conquered the "new technologies "of Xerox, fax machines and computers. She enjoyed her career and did not retire until her 70's. She had the "gift of gab" , was truly interested in other people and could get someone's life history in a single conversation. Whenever she met someone new, my mother would joke with her and ask if she got the persons social security number. She was also always ready to offer a helping hand to people in need.
Family and friends were very important to her. She grew up in a time when families lived close and often saw each other. She was a devoted daughter and moved with her parents to Metuchen NJ where she then lived for 50+ years. She had great organization skills. When it became evident that she was losing touch with the aunts, uncles and cousins that she had won up with, she organized an annual family picnic that has continued for over 30 years. She was a devoted and loyal friend with some friendships lasting over 70 years. And she was a devoted sister. She was always there for my mother, especially after my father died in 2002.
During my childhood I saw my grandparents and Aunt Flos about every 2 weeks. They travelled to us and we to them. It wasn't always easy. Aunt Flos was generous with her time with me. I remember trips to the beach, to Radio City Music Hall and being introduced to shopping at the Flemington, NJ Flea Market.
After she moved to Merrick in 2001(to be closer to family) she became active in parish activities at Cure of Ars Church , local service organizations and educational activities.
She enjoyed baking, handwork (especially crocheting and knitting), gardening, and playing bridge. She was always ready for a good time and within the family was famous for her scotch sours. She loved to travel and enjoyed trips to Europe, China, Australia, South America, The Middle East and Caribean Islands.When staying closer to home she enjoyed the quiet of nature at the beach or in the mountains.
In her most recent years she handled her waning memory and health with grace. She had great faith, believed in angels, and often told me that God would take care of her. Although I will miss her, I am grateful that she is now at peace and take comfort in the thought that there is a new angel in heaven.
With love , Barbara
