Florence Bracken

     Florence Bracken, 88, a lifelong resident of Union Beach, passed away peacefully at
home Wednesday April 10, 2024, with her loving family by her side.

     She was born in Union Beach to the late Joseph Maklowski and Mary (Petkefegg)
Maklowski.

     Florence valued education and worked part time as a substitute teacher for St. Joseph's Grammar School of Keyport and Union Beach Public Schools while raising her family.  Later she worked full time for International Flavors and Fragrances of Union Beach earning several promotions until retiring as a Purchasing Manager.

     She will be remembered for her dignity, grace and kindness to others. She enjoyed time with her family and friends and hosting holidays and casual dinners together. Her greatest joy came when she was with her grandchildren. Florence always made the holidays special for them and would help them make gingerbread houses for Christmas and dye eggs for Easter. She was devoted to her family and never hesitated to help when someone was sick, needed support or just to baby sit. She was extremely generous with her time and never asked for anything in return. Love for others was integral to who she was.

     Florence’s beauty and kindness won the heart of her Marine husband Richard. They met at a mutual friend’s house in 1956 and remained inseparable. On July 11, 1959, Florence married her best friend, and they were together for the next 64 years. They shared a love for travel and went to Europe several times with friends and family.

     Florence was predeceased by her siblings Mary Bailey and Joseph Maklowski. Being the eldest of her three siblings, she was a care giver and helped raise them. It was this selfless love that prepared her for raising her own family.

     Florence is survived by her loving children William Bracken of Union Beach, Richard Bracken and his wife Linda of Oakhurst; cherished grandchildren Erin Bracken and her fiancé Thomas Clagett, Alexander Bracken, and Matthew Bracken; brother Ed and wife Deborah, sister-in-law Debbie Maklowski, brother-in-law Bill Bailey and many cherished nieces and nephews.

     Friends and relatives are invited to a visitation for Florence on Sunday April 14, 2024 at Day Funeral Home 361 Maple Place Keyport, New Jersey 07735.  Friends and relatives are also invited to meet at church the next day Monday April 15, 2024 at Holy Family Church of Union Beach for a 10AM Mass of Christian Burial.

     Following Mass, Florence will be privately cremated.  

In lieu of flowers, donations in loving memory of Florence can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org, or to a charity of your choice.

To leave condolences for the family of Florence or for directions to our funeral home, please do so here at our website www.dayfuneralhome.com.

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