Florence Mary Kiszka

Florence Mary Kiszka, 81, of Merrimac and formerly of Newburyport, passed peacefully at the home of her daughter early Saturday morning, March 16th 2024, with her family by her side. She was the devoted wife of Lawrence John Kiszka who passed away in 2015.

Born in Palmer, MA on May 5, 1942, Florence was one of five children of the late Helen and Sylvester Orszulak. After graduating from Our Lady of Angels Academy and working briefly at an insurance company, Florence met Larry at a polka dance. Together, the couple devoted the next 52 years to building a family, celebrating love, and reminding everyone that a good life consists of endless polka music, homemade wine (known among aficionados as “hooch”), unforgettable family moments, and traveling extensively through both the United States and across Europe.

Florence’s loving nature knew no bounds, as a eucharistic and liturgical minister at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Newburyport she always focused on improving the lives of those around her. Throughout her life, she volunteered with Meals on Wheels to bring food to those in need and spent time at Newburyport’s Brown School assisting in the cafeteria and serving as an aid for special needs children. To this day, her family reminisces about her skills as a baker and continue to admire her skills as a cake decorator and gardener. She will forever be remembered as a proud woman of faith who would not hesitate to take the coat off her back for others. She is forever loved by her late dogs Ansel, Gizmo, and Dolly, her late husband, and her family.

Florence is survived by her three children: Laurie St. Laurent and husband, Robert, Patricia Simmons and husband Brian, and John L. Kiszka and wife, Laura. Her six grandchildren, David (Alyssa) and Brendan (Rachel) Sullivan, Danielle (Dustin), Evan (Kathy), and Jack Simmons, and Kash Kiszka, will miss her greatly along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. She is also survived by her siblings Sylvester Orszulak and his wife Irene, Joan Zawalick and her husband Paul, Frederick Orszulak and his wife Barbara, and Celia Lavoie.

Visiting hours at the Elliott, Woodworth & Rogers Family Funeral Home, 35 Green Street, Newburyport, will be Friday, March 22, 2024 from 4 to 7 P.M. A Funeral Mass will be held at the Immaculate Conception Church, 42 Green Street, Newburyport, on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 10:30 A.M. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Sweet Paws Rescue, 310 Main Street, Groveland, MA 01834.