Florine E (Branish) Branish

Florine E. Branish, 88, of Howland Township, entered into eternal life on Saturday, May 27, 2017 at 6:07 a.m. in Signature Health Care Center in Howland under the comforting care of hospice.

Florine was born on February 2, 1929 in Altoona, Pennsylvania the only child of the late Andrew and Agnes Stouffer Branish. 

A lifelong area resident, Florine was in the first graduating class of St. Mary’s High School in 1947 and always had a deep admiration for the Sisters of Notre Dame in Warren, Ohio.  Florine devoted her life to her church in attending Mass daily, her blessed Mother in praying the rosary, and visiting the sick , and those in need of companionship.

Florine was a devout Catholic and had a strong faith and devotion to the Blessed Mother.  She was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Church in Warren and was also a member of the Guild of St. Francis.

She retired as the office manager for Dr. Emil Datish and also worked with Dr. Walter Scott in Warren.

Florine had a special place in her heart for animals; domestic and wildlife alike.  She would carry food in her car, for everything from birds to squirrels to stray dogs and cats; you name it she fed it and would drive all over the county to feed them.  She would especially frequent Mosquito lake to do so. 

Florine loved gardening, especially growing roses.  She would regularly make bags of candy and flower arrangements that she would deliver to the sick, shut-ins and those residing in nursing facilities.  To Florine, there was no such thing as a stranger.  She befriended and cared for anyone she would come in contact with; always placing others before herself.

She loved playing cards, reading, listening to music, completing jigsaw puzzles, crosswords and solving word searches. 

Florine is survived by a cousin in Pennsylvania and by many dear and close friends.

A Memorial Mass with Fr. Bernard R. Schmalzried officiating, will take place on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Mary’s Church, where friends may call from 9:30 a.m. until the hour of service in the church.  Inurnment will follow in All Souls Cemetery in Cortland.

In lieu of flowers, friends are invited to give memorial contributions in Florine’s name to the St. Mary’s Restoration Fund.

Caring and Professional Arrangements for the Florine are under the direction of the Sinchak & Kaszowski Funeral Home, 330-392-5691.

Family and Friends may visit www.sinchakandsons.com to view this tribute and share condolences.