Florence G. Southerton (Lau)

Florence G. Southerton, 94, of Honesdale, PA, passed into eternal life surrounded by her family at home, on Wednesday, January 12, 2022.

Born on November 14, 1927 in Laurella, PA, Florence was the daughter of the late John and Teresa (Maloney) Lau. On July 26, 1952, she married the late Bernard G. Southerton. Florence and Bernie built a beautiful life in Honesdale, and they celebrated 63 years of marriage together.

Florence was a graduate of Honesdale High School, and then went on to graduate from Wayne Commercial School.

Her earlier occupations consisted of clerical work with the Weniger Law Firm, and then with Sears and Roebuck. Florence later became a familiar face at B&B Dodge as a secretary, carrying out numerous jobs and tasks.

Florence’s family and faith were the cornerstones of her life! She and Bernie were blessed with three children, 10 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren with another on the way.  She was one of five sisters. Florence and her sisters (along with their spouses) thoroughly enjoyed life together. Whether it was vacations or large family gatherings, the “Lau girls” always knew how to have fun; they had an unmistakable bond. Florence loved her nieces and nephews, who lovingly knew her as “Aunt Flofee.”

Florence was a lifelong member of St. John the Evangelist Parish and Saint Mary Magdalen Roman Catholic Church in Honesdale. She and Bernie were involved in numerous parish activities and committees. They served in the Pre-Cana program, both were members of the Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel for over 25 years, and Florence was a lifelong member of Catholic Daughters of the Americas.

Florence had a passion for painting; sharing her artwork with others gave her great joy! Florence looked forward to regular gatherings with the Coffee Klatch gang. In recent years, Florence enjoyed communicating with others on her computer while watching backyard nature from her sunroom.

Florence is survived by: sister Theresa Henderson of Milanville; brother-in-law Clarence “Juney” Rickard of Cherry Ridge; daughter Mary Anne (Reichart) and husband Randy of Orangeville; granddaughter Sarah (Reichart) Swank and husband Scott; grandson Timothy Reichart and wife Breanna; great-grandchildren Jaxson Hoffman and Jameson Reichart; son Joseph Southerton and wife Marirose of Lewisburg; grandson Michael Southerton and wife Alair; great-grandson Arlo; granddaughter Maria (Southerton) McCorry and husband Kevin; great-grandchildren Carver, Dylan, Calla, and Rosalyn; grandson Lucas Southerton and wife Angela; great-grandchildren Clara and Gracie; granddaughter Emily Southerton and husband John Holback; granddaughter Katherine Southerton-Castillo and husband Manuel Castillo-Figueroa; son James Southerton and wife Maria of Lewisburg; granddaughter Jennifer (Southerton) Okuley and husband Andrew; grandson Matthew Southerton; and granddaughter Colette Southerton.

In addition to her beloved husband, Bernie, Florence was preceded in death by: sister Agnes Weidner and husband Leo; Catherine Taninies and husband William (Vince); sister Margaret Rickard; and brother-in-law Albert Henderson.

Due to the recent Covid outbreak, a private viewing will take place at Hessling Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 19 at Saint Mary Magdalen Church in Honesdale at 10:00 a.m. (Masks and social distancing are required at the service.) Conditions permitting, a private interment may follow in Saint Mary’s Cemetery. A future memorial service is planned. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John’s Eucharistic Chapel.