Florence Stegent

Florence Dekowski Stegent went peacefully to be with the Lord on Monday, December 18, 2006, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born May 4, 1921 in Chappell Hill, Texas to John and Julia Pawlawski Dekowski. The past several years she and her husband Johnnie have been residents of Trinity Care Center in Brenham. Florence was preceded in death by her parents; sons, Marion M. Stegent and Johnnie Mark Stegent; daughter, Deborah Pavlock; daughter-in-law, Jeannie Stegent; sisters, Bernice Pankonien, Lucy Pawlak, Margaret Jozwiak; and an infant brother. She is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Johnnie; her son, David John Stegent and his special friend, Kathy Kitowski; daughters, Florence Squeeky Stegent Clay and her husband Tommy, Suzanne Stegent Klodzinski and her husband James; son-in-law, Rufus Pavlock; and brother-in-law, Walter Stegent. Also surviving her are the following grandchildren: Mark Allen Stegent, Donovan Pavlock, Kimberly Pavlock, Travis Clay, Jennifer Taranowski, Shelley Pavlock, James Klodzinski, Jr., Jordan Ethridge; and seven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and numerous friends. Florence received all of the sacraments of her Catholic faith at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Chappell Hill, Texas where she was a lifelong member. She was also a member of the Altar and Rosary Society of which she held several offices over the years and was a longtime member of the church choir. Florence and Johnnie lived most of their married life on their farm in Chappell Hill, Texas until failing health forced them to move to an assisted living care center. Florence was a homemaker and a wonderful mother to all of her children and was always there for them. She loved to cook and entertain. She took great pleasure in preparing a meal for a large crowd of family and friends. Her door was always open and she welcomed everyone into her home with graciousness and love. Florence had a great love for angels and was an avid collector of angel figurines. Our hope is now she is at peace in her heavenly home surrounded by the angels she so loved. Visitation with the family present will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a rosary recited at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 20 at Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham, Texas. The celebration of Florence s life will be with the Mass of Resurrection at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Chappell Hill, Texas on Thursday, Dec. 21 at 10:00 a.m. Rev. Vincent Chacko will officiate. Burial will be in the St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery immediately following the Mass. The following will serve as pallbearers: Mark Allen Stegent, Donovan Pavlock, Travis Clay, Nathan Stegent, Raymond Stegent and Johnny Whiddon. Honorary pallbearers are: James Klodzinski, Jr., Paul Derkowski and Tim Murski. The family wishes to thank all the nurses at Trinity Care Center for the wonderful care they have given to their mother and to Hospice of Brenham who so lovingly cared for Florence in her final days. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Cancer Society, St. Stanislaus Cemetery Fund or Hospice of Brenham. May you rest in peace good and faithful servant!