Florence Theresa Wiechecki

Florence Theresa Wiechecki, 88, of Bridgeton, NJ, passed away on Tuesday evening, August 19, 2025 at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, NJ, after suffering a stroke.

Born in Reading, PA to the late Chester Wiechecki and Mary Kukowski Wiechecki, she had been a resident of Bridgeton since 1976. From 1955-1969, Florence had served as a nun for 14 years with the order of Felician Sisters. In that capacity she taught classes from kindergarten through ninth grade in Catholic schools in Maryland and New Jersey.

After leaving the Felician sisters, she taught the neurologically impaired at The Training School, then at Kadimah Torah School of South Jersey, a Jewish Orthodox School in Vineland, NJ, previously residing in Vineland and Milmay. She began teaching in Bridgeton, NJ as a teacher at the Bridgeton High School GED Program. She was later selected to head up Bridgeton's first adult high school in 1988. Afterwards, she became the principal of West Avenue School in Bridgeton. She retired from Bridgeton Public Schools.

She was a member of the Parish of Mater Ecclesiae in Berlin, NJ. In her free time, Florence loved and cared for many stray cats and dogs, effectively running a small animal shelter on her property. She also enjoyed bird watching.

She was predeceased by her siblings, Charlotte Tezak (Frank), Cecelia Brumbach (Wayne), Stanley Wiechecki (Carol), Anna Knauer (William), and niece Deborah Brumbach.

She is survived by sister-in-law, Carol Wiechecki, Ephrata PA, nieces and nephews Jeffrey Knauer (Cindi), New Holland PA; David Wiechecki (Glenda), Pittsfield MA; Gregory Brumbach (Kimberly), Bushnell FL; Kimberly Tezak, Reading PA; Mary Cramer (Kirk), Slatington PA; Karen Zimmerman (Nevada), Salisbury MD; Daniel Wiechecki (Sharon), Fulton TX.

She is also survived by several great-nieces and great-nephews as well; Peter, John, & Julie Wiechecki, Jonathan & Whitney Knauer, and Gregory Zimmerman. In addition, her great-great niece and nephews: Samuel, Maxwell, and Ella Wiechecki.

Over the years, Flo was assisted by many friends, especially her dear friend, Maureen Harris. In recent years, Florence was assisted by her friend and care giver Anna Maldonado and her husband, Justav, who helped care for her property. The family is very grateful for all the assistance that they provided.

The family would also like to recognize and thank the ER doctors & staff at Inspira Hospital in Vineland, NJ, and the doctors & staff at Cooper University Medical Center in Camden, NJ, for all their efforts and assistance during her time in those facilities.

Per Florence's wishes, there will be no viewing or calling hours. All are welcome to attend the graveside service with the family at St. Mary's RC Polish Cemetery, 679-699 Upland Ave, Reading, PA 19607 on Friday, September 5th at 12 Noon. Written condolences can be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.padgettfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her memory to the Oasis Animal Sanctuary, 698 Central Ave., Franklinville, NJ 08322