Florence S. Howanitz

Florence S. Howantiz, 98, of Pittston passed away peacefully Thursday, September 16, 2021 at Wesley Village, Pittston, Pa. Florence was born in Philadelphia on April 7, 1923. She was the daughter of Albert and Anna Charles Schmick and was raised by her grandparents, Leonard and Emma Schmick, in Catawissa, Pennsylvania. She was a 1942 graduate of Catawissa High School and received her nursing degree in 1945 from Jefferson School of Nursing in Philadelphia, Pa. In 1944 Florence married Dr. Emil P. Howanitz. After WWII Florence and Emil settled in Kingston, Pa., Florence became a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was involved in many local organizations and community activities through her lifetime. Florence was a girl scout and cub scout leader, served on the St. Ignatius Middle School Board, a CCD teacher and member of the Voices of the Valley. She was a devoted guide at the Nathan Denison Home in Forty Fort. Additionally, she participated in numerous plays at College MisericordiaChildren’s Theater. Acting was Florence’s true love in life. She will be remembered by all those who knew her as the ultimate role model exemplifying genuine love and generosity. Florence was the heart of her family, always available to provide her love and support. We were truly blessed to have her in our lives as an earthly angel. She is now a heavenly angel who will continue to be a positive force to watch over and care for her family from above. Proceeding her death were her husband of 69 years, Dr. Emil P. Howanitz in 2013; and her brother, Albert Charles Schmick in 2006. Surviving are her son Dr. Paul Howanitz and his wife Patricia, Centerville, Ind.; daughters Beth Chambliss and her husband, Kevin, Orefield, Pa.; and Ann Pini and her husband, Guiseppe, Wilkes-Barre; grandchildren, Paul Howanitz, Lauren Howanitz, Shannon Saper, Andrew Chambliss, Michela Hannigan, Monique Aiello and Giancarlo Pini; and eleven great-grandchildren. The family wishes to thank all those who provided care, comfort and kindness during their Mom’s8 years at Wesley Village at both the Assisted Living Myers Manor and the Skilled Nursing Facilities, especially Ruthie who provided exceptional, compassionate and respectful care to ensure our mother’s comfort during the last few days of her life. We would also like to extend our thanks to Hospice of The Sacred Heart who not only helped our Mom through this final week but the whole family. A special thanks and endless gratitude to her special friend and companion Sami Gubitosi. Sami and Florence met at Wesley and became sweethearts. Sami you added so much joy, love and happiness to our mother’s last few years and have become a member of our family. Private funeral services were held, with interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Township. Memorial donations in memory of Florence Howanitz may be made to Hospice of The Sacred Heart. Donations can be made online at https://www.hospicesacredheart.org or by check. Please make checks payable to Hospice of The Sacred Heart and mail to Hospice of The Sacred Heart, 600 Baltimore Drive Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18702. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.maher-collins.com.