Florence Joanne Skiscim, born August 8, 1924, passed away January 30, 2018 in her home in Paso Robles, CA, surrounded by her children with the youngest by her side holding her hand.
Florence was the mother of 10 children and wife to deceased 1st Srgt. Costic Anthony Skiscim, to whom she was married to for 39 years. Florence had remained a widow until her death. She was the last remaining child of 8 of Eleanor Joanne Fencyk. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Florence moved to California with her husband and 7 children in tow in 1960, and in 1961 settled in Watsonville and had the last 3 daughters born at the Fort Ord Military Base in Monterey, CA. She remained in Watsonville a short time after the passing of her husband and then moved to Paso Robles, CA where she spent her remaining years.
Florence loved to travel, and made 33 trips to Israel. There she did volunteer work with physically challenged children and toured the land and surrounding countries. Florence also loved dancing, music, going to church, and spending time with family, and cooking: and when she did cook it was large and always from scratch. Her children remember well how she always encouraged healthy foods and it had to be organic even before it became the “now popular” way of cooking. Being of Polish decent Florence on special occasions and throughout the year would make kielbasa and pierogi with the help of her kids. The holidays were also very special to her and all the children to this day have fond memories of lots of food, laughter, dancing, music, presents, candy and company all encompassed by her love. Florence’s home was always open to her children’s friends and they always knew they would be fed: some have remained close, including Joseph Miller, Dorothy Lewis and Carol Defour.
Florence leaves behind all 10 children: Suzanne Korba, Eleanor Skiscim, Joanne Gularte, Michael Skiscim, Thomas Skiscim, Paul Skiscim, John Skiscim, Marianne Skiscim, Ruth Skiscim, and Loretta Skiscim; 10 grandchildren: Sean, Jeremy Cory and Tyler, Brandy Rhae, Amanda Skiscim, Ashley and Kaysie, Cory, and Julieanna, two great-grandchildren: Paige and Preston Skiscim, and several nieces and nephews back in Michigan including Jack Henning of Hamtramik MI.
A memorial service will be held Feb. 22 at 1 pm in San Francisco on the Presidio grounds, where she will be placed with Costic. Family and friends attending.
