Florence E. Lanahan's Obituary
Big Rapids Florence E. Lanahan, 102, of Kalamazoo, formerly of Paris, passed away Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at Tendercare of Westwood in Kalamazoo. She was born February 8, 1907, in Paris, the daughter of Jacob and Hulda (Freiberg) Souter. Florence attended County Normal Teachers College in Kalamazoo, and taught school there for nearly 5 years. In 1934, she married John Lanahan, and moved back to Paris, where she lived until returning to Kalamazoo in 2002. For over 27 years, Florence worked for the State of Michigan Department of Social Services until her retirement. Florence was a long-time active member of St. Anns Catholic Church in Paris. She delighted in holding her annual garage sales in Paris, and enjoyed her garden. Florence was a loving and kind soul, and her generosity was apparent to all those lives she touched. Her husband John preceded Florence in death in 1984. Surviving are 2 daughters, Patircia (Leo) Calkins, and Jo Ann (Larry) Johnson, both of Kalamazoo; 6 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her daughter Mary Ann in 2001, 4 brothers, Martin, Walter, George, and Arthur, and 4 sisters, Laura, Emma, Alma, and Hilda. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 24, at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church in Reed City, with Father Loc Trinh and Father Anthony Vainovicz con-celebrants. Burial will follow in the Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Big Rapids. A Rosary Service will begin at 7:30 p.m., today (Thursday) at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, where Florences family will greet friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Memorial contributions in her name may be made for St. Anns Church or MOARC, with envelopes available at the funeral home.
What’s your fondest memory of Florence?
What’s a lesson you learned from Florence?
Share a story where Florence's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Florence you’ll never forget.
How did Florence make you smile?