Florence C. Brelage's Obituary
Florence C. Brelage, age 93 of Batesville, died Saturday, August 4, 2012 at St. Andrew’s Health Campus. Born April 17, 1919 in St. Peter’s, Indiana, she is the daughter of Mary (Nee: Wiwi) and Anthony Gillman. She married Ralph Brelage October 4, 1941 at St. Peter’s Church in St. Peters and he preceded her in death October 6, 1988. She was a homemaker and a member of St. Louis Church.Florence was a devout person who donated much of her time and talents to the church. Over the years she helped with Bingo, served on the bereavement committee, was a Eucharistic Minister, helped in the school cafeteria and also distributed communion to shut-ins and the sick. After the death of her husband, she became an associate at the Srs. of St. Francis Convent. She loved her family, enjoyed caring for and nurturing them and most certainly liked having them around. She loved to garden and one of her favorite sayings was, “If you can’t eat it, why would you grow it?” Her family indicated she raised a lot of strawberries over the years and some of them inevitably found their way into pies. But strawberry or not, Florence made some of the best pies according to the kids. She also quilted and did some sewing. While they aren’t sure if she liked Lawrence Welk or simply watched it because Ralph did, they do know that mom’s favorite part of a trip was the trip home. She was willing to travel most anywhere but always looked forward to returning home.Florence is survived by her daughters Anita Brelage of Montague, Michigan, Barbara Schneider of Sunman, Indiana, Mary Jo Bland of Ft. Wayne, Indiana; sons Jerry of Panacea, Florida, John of Batesville, David of Ft. Wayne, Indiana; sister Margie Scudder of Milan, Indiana; 20 grandchildren and 38 great grandchildren. In addition to her husband and parents, she is also preceded in death by her son Richard; sisters Norma Gillman, Loretta Westerman, Irene Back, Dorothy Gillman; brothers Louis, Clarence, Bill, Stanley and Cletus Gillman as well as one grandson. Visitation is Tuesday, August 7th, from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services are 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 8th, at St. Louis Church with Rev. Randy Summers officiating, followed by burial in the church cemetery. The family requests memorials to St. Louis School.
What’s your fondest memory of Florence?
What’s a lesson you learned from Florence?
Share a story where Florence's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Florence you’ll never forget.
How did Florence make you smile?