Florence Lydia Meyer lived her life filled with love, compassion and gratitude for her many blessings until the day she died on February 8, 2023, at Complete Care at Barnhill in Newton at the extraordinary age of 104 years.
Everyone who had the privilege of being a part of her life would agree that she was always there to listen. She helps before asked, performs random acts of kindness without ever expecting reward or recognition, has an infectious laugh, loves to have fun, and always leaves better places than she has found, thus elevating the world with her positive and energetic nature. .
Florence’s belief in God and her firm belief that God would provide guidance for her throughout her life; always feeling blessed and grateful for the life he has.
Florence was born January 14, 1919 in New York City to Florence and George Habermann of Jersey City, NJ
He graduated from Dickinson High School in Jersey City. His favorite thing is skipping school with some friends, going to New York City to see Frank Sinatra, the Blue Eyes, perform at the Paramount Theatre.
After graduating, he worked as an information operator for the New Jersey Bell. He remembers having to pass a strict exam regarding pronunciation of numbers to become an operator.
Florence often babysits for a family who live next door to a very handsome young man in a ’32 Chevrolet Cabriolet. On December 21, 1940, Florence married the handsome young man, Harry Charles Meyer, at the Hotel Plaza in Jersey City.
Honeymooning in Atlantic City with $50 in hand, the couple begins the journey of their life together. They moved to Paterson, then to Fair Lawn, where their sons Bruce (1941) and Jane Eyre (1944) were born.
The Meyer family moved to Roseland in 1947, welcoming baby Robert in 1950. They lived happily in Roseland for 39 years.
Flossie’s lifelong volunteer endeavors began with her membership in Roseland Presbyterian Church, where she joyfully sang in the senior choir, taught Sunday school and holiday Bible school, and became the church’s Deacon.
He is a tireless advocate for strong public schools and supports school initiatives to upgrade local primary schools and the development of the newly built West Essex Regional High School in North Caldwell.
As the children grew up, he enthusiastically led the local Boy Scouts, Brownies and Boy Scouts.
While living in Roseland, Flossie used her entrepreneurial skills to create and grow West Essex Driver Service (WE Drive), a private car service business, serving clients in the greater New Jersey-New York City area. He managed this very successful business for 15 years.
After the sudden death of her husband, Harry, in 1982, Florence moved into a beautiful condo in Newton. It was at that moment that Flossie turned her volunteer spirit even higher. He worked cheerfully for Newton Hospital’s thrift store “Bee Hive” for 25 years. Everyone who entered the shop couldn’t wait to see Flossie for the latest news.
Flo also joined the Presbyterian Church of Sparta, offering his services as Deacon, voice in the choir and as Bible school teacher. She prepares large batches of soup for the homeless, knits prayer scarves for the needy and works at a very popular church thrift sale.
Additionally, Flossie is an active member of Sparta Junior Women’s Club, Sparta Senior, and Sparta Senior Counselor. He enthusiastically took part in the Sparta Senior Olympiad, Historical Society of Sparta and was a member of the Good Time Tappers, a group of senior tap dancers.
Eventually, Flossie’s extraordinary volunteer spirit was officially recognized when, in 2006, she was awarded the Sussex County Senior of the Year Citation. In 2018, he received the Patriots City Council Award.
Moving to the village of Knoll Heights in Sparta, Flo quickly becomes President of the Resident Association, continuing her work of improving the lives of others for the common good. Throughout her time in Knoll Heights, Flo makes friends of all ages and backgrounds. He served others before himself, living life with gratitude and joie de vivre!
Throughout her life, Flo loved the game of bridge, playing competitively with all age groups, levels and conventions. He always recommended that older players sit at the table with younger ones to stay on top of their game! He was truly a lifelong learner.
Celebrating her 100th birthday, more than 100 friends and family came from across the United States to celebrate and highlight this extraordinary woman and her extraordinary life. The governor of New Jersey also participated by sending Flo a quote marking the event. He received letters from the Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court, John Roberts, as well as President Donald J. Trump, congratulating him on his milestone birthday.
He addressed the meeting recounting events in his life that began with the Spanish flu in 1918-19, the Depression, the bread line, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, various presidents, assassinations, COVID-19 and more. from that, inserting humor, of course, when necessary. Despite remembering some of the tough times, she reminded everyone to “stay positive”… that she’s been through it all and “you too!”
After being asked a question about the most valuable piece of advice she could possibly have for all guests, Flossie proudly said unconditionally, “Accepting change, as you get older, is the most important piece of advice I can give you. It will give you happiness.”
What a LOVE life well lived!
She was preceded by her beloved husband of 39 years, Harry Charles Meyer; his son Bruce Charles Meyer of Bolivia, NC; his grandson, Adam John DeMado of Washington, Conn.; his sisters, Calista Prokopy from Melbourne, Florida, Georgette Meyer from Hollywood, Florida; and his older brother, Stanley Habermann of Washington, DC.
Surviving family members include daughter, Jane Eyre De Mado, and son-in-law, John De Mado, from Marco Island, Florida, and Port Clyde, Maine; and son, Robert William Meyer, of Sparta and daughter-in-law, Susan Mallan Meyer of Bolivia, NC. Living grandchildren include Timothy De Mado, Andrew De Mado, Matthew De Mado, Christian Meyer and Kathryn Auguston. Flossie’s great-grandchildren include Jackson De Mado, Aydan and Gareth Meyer, Gavin and Tanner De Mado and Connor Auguston.
Please join the family in celebrating the beautiful life of Flossie on Saturday, June 24 at 1pm at the First Presbyterian Church of Sparta.
In lieu of flowers, a contribution will be collected for a memorial bench which will be placed at the Sparta Senior Center in memory of Florence Lydia Meyer. Check Sparta Ecumenical Council/ Memo Line: Memorial Bench and mail it to Knoll Communities, Attn: Francesca McKernan, 39 Trapasso Drive, Sparta, NJ 07871.
