Florence Karas

Florence Smagacz Karas was born in 1925 in Chicago, Illinois, the youngest of eight children. She married Johnny, one of her neighborhood friends in 1949; and together they were blessed with three children. True native Chicagoans, they lived in the city for almost 90 years, surrounded by siblings and their large extended families. Decades of family gatherings and celebrations filled their lives. In 2012 they moved to Pennsylvania to be closer to their daughter, but still maintained close phone contact with Chicago relatives.

In Pennsylvania, Florence found a new circle of family and friends, who loved and welcomed her with open arms. She was a member of the Hamburg Community Seventh-day Adventist Church, where she enjoyed volunteering at their Community Services Center and socializing with the Senior SonShiner's group. She loved being with her children and grandchildren, sharing stories, singing in Polish, playing table games, building puzzles, and watching game shows. Florence enjoyed good health and looked forward to Jesus' return. On November 20 she passed to her rest at home at age 96, with family at her side.

Florence was predeceased by her husband John (2017). She is survived by her loving children Lawrence (Sue), Texas; Cheri, North Carolina; and Barb (Bruce), Pennsylvania; seven grandchildren; twin great-granddaughters; and many nieces and nephews. Her children would like to thank the many families and friends who loved and supported her, whose sunshine energized her days.

Services were private with burial at St. Adalbert Cemetery, Chicago. Donations may be sent to the Hamburg SDA Church, Community Services Center, 22 Willow Rd, Hamburg PA 19526. Burkey and Driscoll Funeral Home, Inc., is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.burkeydriscoll.com.