Florence E. Rafalko, 95, of Great Meadows, NJ, passed away on Thursday, September 6, 2018 in Hackettstown, NJ. Born in Plainfield, NJ on December 2, 1922, Florence was the daughter of the late Stanley and Evelyn Zych Hanzel. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her first husband Alexander “Boots” Wicki, second husband, Walter Rafalko, Sr., sister, Virginia Wicki, son, Alexander Wicki, and son-in-law, George Wilk, Sr. She lived Great Meadows, NJ most of her life. She was raised during the depression era living on her family’s small farm on Hissim Road in Hope, NJ where she and her sister Virginia learned to be self-sufficient.
Later, Florence ran the family's produce farm and roadside vegetable stand for several years. She had a great love for gardening and cultivating the beautiful flowers she sold and gave away. She had a great love for canning fruits and vegetables from her garden and took great pride in teaching others this skill.
Florence also worked as a waitress at the Panther Valley Country Club, in Allamuchy, NJ; Larison’s Turkey Farm, in Chester, NJ, and The Buckhorn Restaurant of Columbia, NJ. She was a charter member and former deaconess of the Hackettstown Seventh Day Adventist Church and was an avid reader of the Bible.
Florence was a resident of The House of Good Shepherd for the past 2-½ years, where she was well loved and cared for by staff and friends.
Florence is survived by her children, Nancy Wilk, Jeff Wicki, Peter Wicki and wife Heather. She is also survived by her uncle, Ray Hanzel of Plainfield, NJ, nine grandchildren, seven great grandchildren as well as one great-great grandchild. Florence had many beloved friends, nieces, and nephews and all will greatly miss her.
A Memorial service will be held on December 16, 2018 at 11:00 am at the Hackettstown Seventh-day Adventist Church
927 County Rd 517, Hackettstown, NJ 07840. Interment will take place at Pequest Union Cemetery, Cemetery Road, Great Meadows, NJ 07838, following the service. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.cochranfuneral.com. The Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ is in charge of the funeral arrangements.
Condolences:
Mary Anne (Ryan) Wilmouth
#11
September 19th, 2018 5:55 am
I am so very sorry for your loss. May your many years of wonderful memmories and friends surround you with love and comfort.
Montana Margo
#10
September 18th, 2018 3:59 am
Florence was A Great Lady, A Brave Woman, A Hard Worker,
A Loyal Friend, A True Christian with a heart that
Extended to Everyone.
You were Blessed to have her as a Mother, Grandmother,
Aunt, etc.
She was Truly A Gift from God.
David Bryk & Family
#9
September 17th, 2018 7:59 pm
Our deepest sympathy to your family on the loss of your Mother.
Christina Gleason
#8
September 17th, 2018 6:45 pm
Deepest sympathy to the family. God Bless.
john f klimas
#7
September 17th, 2018 4:15 pm
nancy and peter so sorry for your loss
Bill and Judy Hamilton
#6
September 17th, 2018 1:41 pm
Our heartfelt condolences to the family .
Marvin Hopkins
#5
September 15th, 2018 4:33 pm
So sorry to hear of the passing of your mother, Nancy! She was always so nice when we were in school. I remember her very well
John and Astrid Dolan
#4
September 15th, 2018 11:47 am
Pete and family, so sorry for your loss.
Joann Hoff
#3
September 12th, 2018 7:46 pm
Sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Sharon Schlomer Housel & Pat
#2
September 11th, 2018 6:38 pm
Our condolences for all at this time of sadness in your hearts.
Karin & Bob Schardt
#1
September 10th, 2018 11:23 am
Nancy & family, our deepest condolences for the loss of your mom. She always inspired me. She was one tough lady and worked hard for her family. I will miss her.
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