Florence Ruth Nudelman Kornblatt

Florence, also known as Flo, Flossie, Gma Flo and Gigi, died peacefully at home on Oct. 3, 2022, surrounded by family and loved ones. She was born on Jan. 26, 1925, to Rebecca and Sol Nudelman of Scranton, Pa. She trained as a nurse at Hahnemann Hospital in Scranton and entered the Nurse Cadet Corps, serving at the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation in Belcourt, N.D., with the Chippewa Indians during World War II. Throughout her career, she was employed in a variety of nursing positions including occupational health, hospital medical surgical, operating room, private duty, ILGWU Health Clinic and finally, office manager and nurse for Dr. Herbert Fellerman. She was widely respected for her knowledge and skills as a teacher and clinician.

She was a tireless volunteer throughout the region, serving on the board of the Jewish Community Center, and leading their tallis weaving classes for many years. She volunteered as a nursing home ombudsman, and was a fearless advocate for her charges. She chaired the area Chevra Kadisha (Jewish burial society, performing ritual preparation of bodies for burial) for decades, recruiting members, training them and encouraging them. One of her most enjoyable activities was bowling; she taught young bowlers, was president of the Women's Bowling League and was a fierce competitor as a member of the JCC's Women's Traveling bowling team. Later in life, she played tambourine with the Lox and Bagels Klezmer Band.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 16 years, Joseph Kornblatt, OBM. She is survived by her children, Elayne Kornblatt Phillips, of Charlottesville, Va.; and Marshall Kornblatt, of Kingston, Pa.; and grandchildren, Joshua Phillips and Melanie Phillips Fine (Kevin), of Richmond, Va.; and Joseph Kornblatt (Georgia), of Wyomissing, Pa.; and great-grandchildren, Jenna and Henry Fine, of Richmond, Va.; and Chava and Shlomo Kornblatt, of Wyomissing, Pa. She also leaves behind two sisters, Nancy Friedman, of Scranton, Pa.; and Leona Stark, of Langhorne, Pa.

The family offers heartfelt appreciation for her dear friends and many caregivers who tended to her so lovingly. In addition, of special note, is her dear, dear friend David Bravman, who contributed so much to her quality of life that it would not be possible to adequately express our love and gratitude.

Burial will take place on Thursday, Oct. 6, at 11 a.m. at Anshe Emes Cemetery, 325 N. Main St., Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Shiva will be observed Thursday evening, 7 to 9 p.m., at 339 Stanley Drive, Kingston, and Sunday evening, 7 to 9 p.m., at 1105 St. Charles Court, Charlottesville, Va.

If you wish to make a donation in Florence's name, please direct it to the Joseph Kornblatt Memorial Children's Library Fund at the Friedman Jewish Community Center, 613 S. J. Strauss Lane, Kingston, PA 18704; or to a charity of the donor's choice.