Florence Francis Brown, 86, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away on Friday, November 6, 2009 at 8:15 p.m. in her home. Florence was born in Chicago, Illinois September 25, 1923 to Walenty "Valentine" and Francis Pienkos. She graduated High School in 1941 and went to work as a telephone operator. Florence met Robert W. Brown in Chicago, September 1942. Robert was in the Air Force and was sent to Texas. They reunited in Texas and married on February 18th 1943. Robert and Florence were together until Robert's graduation from Air Force training. Florence went back to Chicago while Robert was sent overseas. Robert flew 27 missions, while on his last mission, his plane was shot down and he spent 11 months as a POW. They were reunited in June of 1945, in St. Louis. Released from the Air Force in December 1945, they moved to Springfield. Florence began her career in banking. Their son was born December 29, 1950. Florence retired from banking in 1978. She loved spending her time traveling, bowling, square dancing, golfing, fishing and spending time with her family and many friends. Florence is survived by her adoring husband of 66 years, Robert W. Brown, her son Christopher Scott Sr. and his wife Sharon; one brother, Fred Pienkos, Chicago, Illinois; four grandchildren, Christopher Scott Jr., Christina (Brown) Gollhofer and her husband Mike Gollhofer, Megan (Brown) Caldwell, Erica (Brown) Caldwell and her husband David Caldwell; nine great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed and will live in our hearts forever. A prayer service will be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 11, 2009 in Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel with visitation to follow until 7:30 p.m. The funeral mass will be on Thursday November 12th , 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church with Father Fergus Monaghan, celebrant, followed by a graveside service at Missouri Veterans Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks, 330 North Jefferson, Springfield, MO 65806.
