Florence Cherneski

Florence (Rigwalski) Cherneski, 91, of Denver, CO passed away peacefully on May 19, 2020. Florence was born on May 11, 1929 to Leo and Martha (Duda) Rigwalski and was raised in Wilkes Barre, PA. Florence was preceded in death by her four older siblings, Edward, Henry, Leon and Elizabeth (Veronick) Rigwalski. Florence leaves behind a loving family including her son, Gary Cherneski and his wife Mylinda and three grandsons: Stephen Andrew (Fiancé: Misha Krul), Michael Gary (Stacey) and David Anson.; godmother and aunt of Patricia (Kenneth) Lehner; great-aunt of Theresa (Daniel) Fox; also survived by several nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

Florence lived in Buffalo, NY near her sister Elizabeth (Andrew) and brother Henry (Irene) where she raised her son. Florence worked at Sylvania Electronics soldering micro-circuit boards for the ICBM program. During the Vietnam War, while still at Sylvania, she assembled Huey helicopter control panels. After Sylvania, Florence went to work at Trico where she worked on the assembly line building windshield wiper blades. While at Trico, Florence met a group of friends she lovingly called ""the girls"" with whom she remained friends for life, travelling together after retirement.

Florence was blessed with three grandsons and was affectionately known as ""Baba"", a name bestowed upon her by the boys. Baba's grandchildren were her pride and joy and she enjoyed spoiling and being with them at every opportunity. Baba enjoyed cuddling and reading with the boys as well as sharing walks in the parks and going to the zoo to see the elephants.

Florence suffered a stroke in 2000 and afterwards moved to be near to her son and his family in Denver, Colorado. While the stroke caused her to lose her mobility and the ability to speak, it did not take away her sweet and gentle spirit which drew people to her. She was always ready with a smile and a sparkle in her eyes that would brighten everyone’s day. Her compassion and desire to serve others continued as she lived out her days at Briarwood Nursing Home.

A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, May 27 at 1:30 PM at the Horan and McConaty Funeral Home in Centennial, Colorado and cremation will be conducted afterwards. Due to COVID-19 circumstances, interment will be held in Buffalo, New York at a later date. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be sent to a charity of your choice. Share your condolences below.

She leaves behind a family and friends who will forever cherish the memories of her life. We love you Baba.