ELMGREN – Florrie A. Dickey DeLeo Elmgren, of Kingsland, Ga., passed peacefully into her next life Sept. 9, 2025, at the age of 85.
She was born April 16, 1940, in Erie, Pa., to the late Eldie L. Dickey Sr. and Margaret Wittenberg Dickey.
Originally from Erie and Lake City, Pa.,, and later Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Florrie moved to Kingsland, Ga., in 2001 following the passing of her second husband, Harry H. Elmgren.
Florrie graduated from McDowell High School. Following graduation, she strode forward into a secretarial job. She then had a long and successful career with Holland America Cruise Line, where she retired in 2001 as an assistant manager after 18 years of dedicated service. Her passion for travel and service continued in her later work with Greyhound Shore Services, Shore to Sea and Shore Link.
A devoted member of her community, Florrie was a life member and Past Worthy Matron of Chapter 22, Order of the Eastern Star in Albion, Pa. She also served in various offices at the local, district and Department of Georgia levels of the VFW Post 8385 Auxiliary. Florrie was also a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles #4379, where she served as chaplain. She was of the Methodist faith and lived a life rooted in service, faith and love for her family and country.
Florrie was a giver, and to any that were in need, she helped. She donated her time, money and effort to people and organizations. Her respect and care went out particularly to veteran organizations.
Florrie loved spending time with her family and many friends, volunteering for veterans, traveling the world, going on cruises, playing bingo, dining at her favorite restaurant, Angelo's, cooking and baking. Her joyful spirit, sharp wit and loving heart will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her.
Florrie was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Edward S. DeLeo Sr.; second husband, Harry H. Elmgren; partner of 17 years, Daniel Mayeux; five brothers, George, Eldie, Spencer, Jack and Harvey Dickey; two sisters, Joyce Gehrlein and Margaret Jane Dickey; and stepdaughter, Karen Boldizar Clark.
She is survived by her loving children, Janice (Jeff) Meeder of Fairview, Pa., Anthony (Lorie) DeLeo of Lake City, Pa., Edward S. (Lois) DeLeo Jr. of Kingsland, Ga., and Patricia (Bob) Herbold of Kingsland, Ga.; and two stepchildren, David (Nadine) Elmgren and Kirsten (Bato) Gamboa of Eustis, Fla. Florrie leaves behind a large and loving family, including 19 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She also leaves her beloved dog, Buddy, and her best friend, Lori Watson.
A special thank you to sister Claire Marie and the staff on the eighth floor at the St. Vincent Hospital in Erie and hospice care.
In lieu of flowers, Florrie would like donations to The VFW National Home for Children, 3573 S. Waverly Road, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827.
As she always said: "Never goodbye, just so long - see ya later."
A Memorial Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at the Girard (Pa.) Presbyterian Church.
Arrangements are under the direction of Edder Family Funeral Home in Girard, Pa.
Condolences may be expressed at
edderfuneralhome.com.Published by Tribune & Georgian from Sep. 18 to Oct. 3, 2025.