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Obituary of Florence Kopec
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Florence Kopec. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her devoted family on Monday, January 27, 2025, while in the care of Sunrise of Mountain Lakes. She had shared 94 years of unconditional love, priceless wisdom, infectious laughs, and unforgettable memories with family and friends.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York to the late Bertha and Stanley Paterek, Florence was the youngest of six children to bless their household. After graduating High School, she worked for 12 years at AT&T in New York City as a Bookkeeper. She married her best friend and soulmate, Edward Valentine Kopec, in Brooklyn, NY in 1953 and moved to Hillsdale, NJ in 1960 to start a family. Together they raised four daughters before Edward’s sudden passing in 1979. Florence continued to raise their four teenage daughters, with compassion, strength, and dedication. Florence retired to a farm in Lancaster, SC in the late 1980s, and returned to New Jersey to be closer to family, settling into the Valley Stream Condominiums in Denville in 2008.
Florence was the family’s Matriarch; she was classy, selfless, patient, generous, and truthful. She was a good listener and provided her guidance without forcing her opinions. She had a feistiness about her that people loved. She enjoyed spending time with family, loved to dance, and enjoyed all types of music with one of her favorites being Andrea Bocelli. Her authentic spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Although we are saddened by her passing, we take comfort in knowing she is now reunited with her beloved husband, Edward, her daughter, Dorene Kopec-Starostiak, her son-in-law, Roman Starostiak, her parents, and her siblings.
Her legacy will live on forever in the hearts of her loving daughters, Arlene Feehan, Darlene Kopec-O’Kean (Thomas O’Kean), and Deidre Kopec-Geiger (William Geiger); her cherished grandchildren, Kaitlyn Rose O’Kean, Jillian Rose O’Kean, Edward Starostiak (Jenie Starostiak), and Victor Starostiak; her faithful grandpup whom she helped raise, Lexi O’Kean; extended family, and friends.
Relatives and friends are welcome to come and celebrate Florence on Friday, February 7th from 3 – 7 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville, NJ. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, February 8th at 9:30 am at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 10 North Pocono Road, Mountain Lakes, NJ. Burial will follow at 12 pm at Ascension Cemetery, 650 Saddle River Road, Airmont, NY, where she will be laid to rest with her beloved husband, Edward.
In addition to the beautiful memories held by her family, we invite those who knew Florence to share their favorite stories, memories, or words of tribute on normandean.com. Florence touched the lives of many, and we believe her legacy is best honored through the stories and experiences of all who were fortunate enough to know her; let her light shine bright for eternity. If you would like to honor her memory another way, donations are being accepted to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by way of www.inmemof.org to ensure receipt of your donation.


16 RIGHTER AVENUE, DENVILLE, NJ 07834
(973) 627-1880
info@normandean.com
DAVID G. MILNE, MANAGER NJ LIC. NO. 4301
SERVING THE DENVILLE, ROCKAWAY, PARSIPPANY, Mt. Lakes, Boonton,
Morris Plains & SURROUNDING AREAS OF NEW JERSEY SINCE 1957
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