Florence Pavenski

Florence Catherine (Fierst) Pavenski, 89, of Hillsborough passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 30, 2023. Flo started out working in the Manville Bakery. She then began her career as a secretarial assistant at Ruberoid. Following that, she continued her secretarial career at National Starch in Manville until she retired. She volunteered her time and was known as the “hot dog lady” at Sunnymead Elementary School while her boys attended. Flo was born and raised at 344 Huff Avenue, Manville, New Jersey. She married the love of her life, Henry Pavenski, with whom she built their forever home on Craig Drive in Hillsborough, New Jersey. There, you could always find her taking walks, talking with her neighbors, and lending a helping hand wherever needed. Throughout life, Flo and Henry enjoyed traveling cross country to Las Vegas. She also was a passionate Keno player, taking bus trips frequently to Atlantic City, but never gambling more than five cents at a time to play it safe. Together they spent many years at their Virginia Home in Cape Charles, where they spent days on the beach, fishing on the boat, and nights eating crabs and whatever was the fresh catch of the day with the family gathered around on the back porch. Flo was a nurturing, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt (Cioci Flo). She was very involved in her grandchildren’s lives. Whether it was going to Colonial Park to explore the nature trails, stopping by the dollar store for toys and treats, or attending sporting events and graduations, you could always count on her to be there as their number one supporter. She loved entertaining family and friends on holidays and throughout the year with never ending food. You would never show up to Flo’s house and leave hungry. Flo was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Pavenski; son, Henry A. Pavenski; parents, Charles Fierst and Catherine (Raksa) Fierst; siblings, Stella Gabryelski, Chester Fierst, Charles Fierst, Walter Fierst, Henry Fierst, Edward Fierst, Olga Jean Saharko, Matthew (Johnny) Fierst. Surviving is her son, James Pavenski; daughter-in-law, Jeri Lee Pavenski; and beloved grandchildren Amber, Breana, Trevor, and Carly. She also leaves her many loving nieces, nephews, and dear friends who you could always find visiting and caring for their Cioci Flo. A memorial visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 from 4-8pm at the Ketusky Funeral Home, 1310 Brooks Blvd, Manville, NJ 08835. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at 9am at Sacred Heart Church, 98 S 2nd Ave, Manville, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity in Flo’s name.

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Florence Pavenski

February 4, 1934 - July 30, 2023