Hanson – Florence M. (Mortenson) Girdzus 93, died Monday June 23 after a period of failing health. She was the beloved wife of the late John Girdzus.
Born and raised in Quincy she was the daughter of the late Theodore and Grace (Pitts) Mortenson and a graduate of Quincy High School.
Florence had been a 30 year resident of Brockton before her move to Hanson where she resided for the past 30 years. As a resident of Hanson she had been an active communicant of St. Joseph the Worker Church and during her years in Brockton she had also been an active member of the Brockton church community.
Prior to her retirement she had worked many years as a seamstress for the local clothing industry.
She enjoyed sewing, knitting and gardening but her greatest joy came from the times spent surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She loved the beach and treasured the many years spent at their “Summer Home” in Osterville.
She is survived by her loving children John Girdzus and his wife Mary Fran of Westford, Ann Burns of Bridgewater and Paula Palm and her husband David of Florida, and her sister Mary Cantelli of Florida. She is also survived by her grandchildren, whom she adored Olivia, Laura, Karen, Peter and Troy as well as 9 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son James Girdzus, her daughter Ruthe Bigelow, her grandson Jamie and her sisters Dorothy Cubi, Mildred Jewett, Esther Mortenson and Grace McGee.
Her services will be held Thursday June 26 at 9:00 AM from the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 @ the rotary) Whitman, followed by a funeral mass at 10 AM in St. Joseph the Worker Church, Hanson. Burial will follow at 1:45 PM in the Mass National Cemetery, Bourne. Visiting hours will be held Wednesday June 25 from 5-8 PM.
Donations in her name may be made to Cranberry Hospice, 36 Cordage Park Circle, Plymouth, MA 02360 or to Jared C. Monti Memorial Scholarship Fund, Inc. Attention: Operation Flags for Vets Program, C/O Bristol County Savings Bank, 108 N. Main Street, Raynham, MA 02767