Florence Ann Pilch
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Florence Ann Pilch 1927 - 2021 ASHBURN, VA - Florence Ann Pilch, 93, formerly of Jessup, PA, and Albany, NY, passed away peacefully at Maple Grove Nursing Home in Ashburn, VA, on July 14, 2021. Florence was born in Jessup, PA, on September 23, 1927, to John and Mary (Gavenda) Skovira. Florence was one of twelve children. Growing up, she was also surrounded by many extended family members in the small town of Jessup where St. Michael's church bells would ring every morning just up the street from her home. As a young girl, she found a great devotion to her Catholic Faith and the Blessed Mother. After graduating Jessup High School, she worked in the Barbizon Factory in Jessup and in the A&S Department Store in New York until her brother Mike, introduced her to a handsome young man named Charles Pilch at the local VFW. Florence and Charlie were married on July 4, 1955. It was a storybook romance that Hallmark should turn into a movie. Florence and Charlie moved to Albany in 1957 to raise their family. By raising five children Florence quickly became an expert in the field of motherhood. She provided a kind and loving home which created many happy memories. Her children always felt safe and secure knowing Mom was there for them. On winter mornings, she would prepare warm hearty breakfasts for the long walk to school. After school, she would greet her children with a smile, an after-school treat while checking in how the day went. She had the patience of a Saint. One winter, when the children were little, Florence dressed all five of them in snowsuits to go outside and play in the snow. Inevitably someone mentioned they needed to go to the bathroom and then all decided that was a good idea. So, Mom just smiled and begin the process of removing the snowsuits, boots, etc.., An hour and a half later, all were dressed and ready to go out again. Florence possessed a kind heart and was always happiest helping others. She befriended many people she met and would happily go out of her way to do the right thing. She often drove people to church; baked something for a neighbor who had lost a loved one and would always find the good in people and in life. She loved gardening; quilting; yoga in the morning with her favorite daughter; ring toss with the grandkids and taking care of the altar linens at St. Catherine's of Siena. Florence cooked spectacular meals and treats; including her homemade barbeque sauce, Angel Food cake with orange cream in the middle, butter spritz Christmas cookies, pagash, kolach, her world-famous squares, and so much more. In addition to her parents, Florence was predeceased by her husband, Charles Pilch; sisters: Mary (Skovira) Teeter, Loretta (Skovira) Kreiger, Ann (Skovira) McGuirk; and brothers: John, Joseph, Cy, Len, Francis, Bernard, Richard and Mike. Florence will forever be cherished. She is survived by her children: Ann (Pilch) and her husband, Jim Giallorenzo; Mary Ann (Pilch) and Jon McCarthy; Charles; Norma (Pilch) and Eric Minkoff; and Loretta (Pilch) and John Gusciora. Ten grandchildren: James, Matthew and Alyse (Giallorenzo); Liam and Ian (McCarthy); Hannah, Noah and Sophia (Minkoff); Portia and Lucas (Gusciora); great-grandchildren Harley and Nina Giallorenzo; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Our family wishes to extend a sincere thank you to all the caregivers and people who looked after Florence at Ashby Ponds and Maple Grove. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Little Sisters of the Poor at: https://littlesistersofthepoorwashingtondc.weshareonline.org/ws/opportunities/HonorariumGift