Obituary of Florence Behringer

Florence Gramza Behringer Olean, NY Florence Gramza Behringer, 104, a long-time resident of the Absolut at Allegany, passed away there peacefully Wednesday (August 15, 2012). Florentyna Gramza was born in Buffalo, NY on March 2, 1908. She was the oldest of three children of Walter Gramza, an immigrant from Poland, and Mary Minikowski, of Canada. When her mother became ill, Florence assumed the management of the household at age nine. She also helped her father in the family business. Florence attended Buffalo public schools and the University of Buffalo. After her marriage to Norbert J. Behringer, Florence assisted him with the completion of his accelerated course at the University of Buffalo Dental School. Norbert attended classes and worked a forty-hour week, so Florence read and outlined his assignments for him. She intuitively chose the exact questions which would be asked on the exams-and she was always right! Upon graduation, Norbert had his college ring made for Florence, inscribed with her initials. He always said the degree was as much hers as his. Their oldest grandchild is the proud custodian of this family treasure. Dr. and Mrs. Behringer moved to Friendship, NY in 1936 to establish his dental practice. He continued working until shortly before his death in 1982. Florence moved to Olean in 1993 to live with her daughter and son-in-law Lucille and Jim Green. She was an exotic and capable woman, possessed of an outstanding singing voice. She often sang on special occasions at Absolut. "God Bless America" was a crowd pleaser there. Her hobbies included sewing, knitting, crocheting, tatting, needlepoint and oil painting. Florence was a creative cook, baker and gardener. She was a life member of the American Legion Auxiliary of Friendship and the 8&40 Salon of Allegany County. For Florence's wonderful life, her family rejoices and is glad! Survivors include two daughters Lucille (James) Green of Olean and Joyce McCrea of Tonawanda; a daughter-in-law Ann Talbett Behringer of Kunkletown, PA; seven grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; nieces Diane Woods Bogacki and Mary Ann Gramza Ciesielski and nephew Joseph Gramza. Florence was predeceased by her husband, parents, sister and brother-in-law Esther and Stephen Woods, brother and sister-in-law Leonard and Helen Gramza, son Norbert Walter Behringer and son-in-law John A. "Jack" McCrea. Visitation will be at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home 3128 W. State Rd. Olean on Friday from 4-7pm. Funeral services will be held Saturday (August 18, 2012) beginning with a prayer service at 9:30am in the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am in St. Mary of the Angels Church. Rev. Michael O'Hara, family friend from Arcade and formerly a longtime pastor in Friendship will celebrate the mass. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Friendship. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice and online condolences may be expressed at oleanfunerlhome.com.