Florence E. (Hicks) Tomlinson

Salem- Florence E. Tomlinson, 81, of Salem, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at her residence with her family, caregivers and her German Shepherd all by her side.

She was born on November 5, 1936 on the family farm, Hicks Bros. Fruit Farm, now known as Hicks Orchard, in Granville, NY to the late Charles T. Hicks, Jr. and Mae A. (Taylor) Hicks. Growing up, Florence had many roles on the farm, including putting together apple boxes, working in the packing house and picking apples in the orchard.

She attended Granville Central School until her family relocated to Fort Ann, NY, where she graduated high school in 1953. After graduation she worked at Woolworths and Glens Falls National Bank until she married her husband Paul and moved to Salem in 1955.

Florence was well known for her radiant smile and how proud she was of her family. She embraced her role as wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother throughout her life – striving to always ensure her family was happy and well taken care of. She loved attending school sporting, theatrical and musical events, as well as attending the Washington County Fair with her family. Florence enjoyed decorating for each holiday and hosting family celebrations at her home and around the swimming pool. She also loved traveling around the world with her husband and vacations at the Mariner Resort in Ogunquit, ME and Orlando, FL with her family and friends.

Florence was a compassionate animal lover, rescuing dogs and cats throughout the years.  She also raised German Shepherds, one of which could always be found by her side.

She was strong in her faith and was a member of the Rupert United Methodist Church and attended the Salem United Methodist Church in later years. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

In addition to her parents, Florence was predeceased by her two sons, Paul Tomlinson, Jr. in 1964 and Charles Tomlinson in 1967; her siblings, Barbara Liebig, Gretchen (Robert) Braymer, Joan (Robert) Brownell & Frederick Hicks.

Florence is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Paul W. Tomlinson; her children, William (Nancy) Tomlinson of Salem, Donald Tomlinson of Myrtle Beach, NC, Lori (Ken) Colombraro of Salem and Kathi (Paul) Gaudreau of West Rupert, VT; beloved grandchildren, Adam (Emily) Tomlinson, Katie (Stuart) Lapishka, Thomas Tomlinson, John Tomlinson, Paul Tomlinson, Donald (Sarah) Tomlinson, Amie Tomlinson, Ryan Megna (Robin), Stephen Geraghty, Patrick Harrison, Jason Gaudreau, and Nicholas Gaudreau; beloved great grandchildren, Oliver, Millie and Elsie Tomlinson, Ethan and Addalyn Lapishka, Mason and Halle Tomlinson, Hannah and Maria Lourie Tomlinson, Noah and Delilah Buck, Olivia, Miles and Saundra Megna and many cherished nieces and nephews, and her adored German Shepherd, Jasmine.

Calling hours will be Thursday, June 7, 2018 from 4-7 pm at the McClellan-Gariepy Funeral Home, 19 East Broadway, Salem.

A funeral service will be at 11:00 am Friday, June 8, 2018 at the Salem United Methodist Church, 29 West Broadway, Salem with Rev. Debbie Earthrowl officiating.

Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Salem.

Memorial contributions in memory of Florence may be made to the Rupert United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 40, West Rupert, VT 05776 or the Salem United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 412, Salem, NY  12865, Community Hospice Foundation, Gift Processing Center, 310 S. Manning Blvd, Albany, NY 12208.

The Tomlinson family wishes to thank the caregivers who gave Florence wonderful and compassionate care at home, Laurie Harrington, Angela Ayers, Cindy Ayers, Katie Lapishka, Betty James and Melissa Curtis. A thank you to  Barney Rubenstein, M.D., Nancy West, R.N. and staff at the Salem Family Health Center, as well as Community Hospice for their care and compassion to Florence and her family.

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