Florence H. Vasquez

Florence H. Vasquez, age 94, of Rock Falls, passed away peacefully at home on January 20, 2020 surrounded by her family. Florence was born February 24, 1925 to Marcello and Benita (Coronado) Hernandez. She married Valente "Joe" Vasquez on November 16, 1942 in Marksville, La. He preceded her in death on January 11, 1976. Florence was always a firm believer in the power of prayer. She continued to pray earnestly and ardently for many people in need throughout her life. She will be fondly remembered for this. She worked hard all her earlier years as a housewife, migrant worker, factory worker and nurse's aide. She learned bowling late in life and went on to join league play. Florence enjoyed crocheting, knitting, cooking and in her last years, word search puzzles. She is survived by six children, John (Donna) Vasquez of Sterling, Cecelia (Michael) Spain of Rock Falls, Anita Vasquez of Rock Falls, Lucille (Randy, Sr.) Miller of Rock Falls, Michael (Caraline) Vasquez of Rock Falls and Linda (Dale Burgess) Karn of Bryan, Texas; nine grandchildren, Angela (Earl) Hernandez of Rockford, Cristina (Brian) Hart of Malta, Dina (Terry) Hay of Dixon, Nikki Tintori of Rock Falls, Randy Miller, Jr. of Clinton, Iowa, Antony (Jamie) Vasquez of Modesto, Calif., Amanda (Jeff) Abell of Rock Falls, Matthew (Jason Austin) Millard of Seagoville, Texas and Joshua (Brittany) Karn of Fayetville, N.C.; twenty great grandchildren; and one great great grandchild. Florence was their biggest fan and cheerleader as she enjoyed attending school and sporting events. Florence was the youngest and last remaining member of her fellow siblings. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents, her father dying comparatively young and her mother who lived to be 96 years old. The other siblings were her brothers, Charles and Secundino both long-time residents of Rock Falls and Sterling. Florence's two sisters were Zelia (Hernandez) Ramos of Hartford City, Ind. and Eulalia (Hernandez) Gonzalez of Marksville, La. May you be with God now, Mom and Grandma, finally resting in peace. Visitation will be Thursday, January 23, 2020 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at the McDonald Funeral Home, 505 First Avenue in Sterling with the Rosary being recited at 4:30 PM. Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, January 24, 2020 at 10:00 AM at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Rock Falls with Reverend Richard Russo officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Sterling. Memorials have been established to St. Andrew Church Altar and Rosary Society and to Serenity Hospice.