Florence M. Barone

Florence M. Barone, nearly 99 of Dunkirk, died on Tuesday, February 19th at the Chautauqua County Nursing and Rehab Center.

She was born March 1, 1920 in Dunkirk, the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Incitto. A lifelong resident of Dunkirk, Florence was a 1940 graduate of Dunkirk High School.

In 1953, she married her best friend and high school companion, Joseph J. Barone, who served on the Board of Education for several years.After Joseph’s passing in 1977, Florence managed to live on Fourth Street until she was 93. She often referred to herself as a “smart cookie” and that she was. Flo’s stubbornness often prevailed and attributed to her years of longevity.

Flo was active and involved with the Republican Party. She volunteered for several years to call on businesses to donate items for their annual picnic. She served as inspector for many election years and would rise at 4 a.m. to be on time to welcome voters. When bingo was available at local clubs and churches, Florence supervised the floor as an inspector.

Florence enjoyed the antique group who met on several occasions to explore the history and what qualified items as antiques. She was also a member of the Lions Club. Flo worked until she was 85. Agencies such as Green Thumb and Job Services offered seniors opportunities to experience positions like the records department at Brooks Memorial Hospital and clerical/administrative duties at The Department of Labor’s Unemployment Office.

In her earlier years, Florence was a sales clerk at some of the finest retailers in her era; Sideys, Town and Country and the New York Store. Always having a flair for fashion, Flo was known for her hats and stylish apparel which included her matching scarves and jewelry. In addition to her being a fashionista, Flo will be remembered for her laugh and ability to make you laugh. She enjoyed meeting people, being involved and staying active. “Flo,” “Florenzia,” “Flo Mo – our Mommasita” will be missed.

Florence is survived by three children; Michael J. (Denise) Barone of Cleveland, Mary A. Barone of Dunkirk, Phyllis C. Barone of Michigan; grandchildren, Justina (Chris) Lambert of Pflugerville Texas, CelinaBarone, Carmen and Jillian Navis of Cleveland; two great grandchildren Nyah Lambert and Luciano Llongo; nieces and nephews.Special thanks to caregivers Margaret Gregory, Kimberley Ruiz, Lauren Beudreau, Alice Mekus, Debbie Mastrelli, Sandy Fenton and Heather Echuveria.

Relatives and friends are welcome to call Friday from 4-7 p.m. the R. Mackowiak Funeral Home Inc., 56 East Doughty Street, Dunkirk.Funeral Services will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. with a mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton R.C. Church. Interment will be in St. Anthony’s Cemetery.

Flowers gratefully declined. In celebration of Flo’s life, donations can be made to: Hospice Chautauqua County 20 W. Fairmount Ave, Lakewood, N.Y. 14750.