Alice Flory's Obituary
Alice Kuzmicky Flory, 88, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 30, 2019, surrounded by her children. She was born at the beginning of the Great Depression in the coal mining town of Forest City, PA to Marcella and Jonas Kuzmickas, originally of Kaunas, Lithuania.Alice’s life reflected her passion for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her aim was to glorify God in all things—by her words and in her actions. Numerous lives were impacted through her biblical teaching, faithful mentoring, godly encouragement and intercessory prayer. Her hallmark—she made herself available and took the time to be present in the moment.Upon moving to California in 1948, Alice met a charismatic young man, Jerry Flory, at the German House in Oakland. The two wed in December 1950, and celebrated 66 years of marriage. Together, they raised a family of four (three sons and one daughter), built a construction business, faithfully served their church, and traveled the world; they were inseparable. Alzheimer’s would afflict Jerry for the last decade of his life, but Alice unwaveringly poured herself out and modeled sacrificial love beyond comprehension. Not only did she serve as his primary caregiver, but also as his memory keeper. Theirs is a love true, steadfast, and timeless.Jerry introduced Alice to the great outdoors, and a life-long love of camping, backpacking, and, later in life, RV trips, ensued. Countless wilderness adventures hold fond family memories. Alice’s travel escapades broadened over the years, whether through business and mission trips, or to learn more about her ethnic heritage in Lithuania, of which she was immensely proud. Together with Jerry, she walked the Great Wall of China, washed in a public bathhouse in Japan, built a church in Africa, and traced the footsteps of Jesus through Israel. However, whether traveling near or far, she was keenly aware of her calling as an ambassador of Christ first and foremost, and boldly proclaimed the Good News of the Gospel.This boldness was best demonstrated through her gift of teaching. During the late 60’s and early 70’s Alice led Spacemanauts—a neighborhood Bible club for children—in her living room. For decades, she also taught Sunday school; first to elementary-aged boys, then to junior high school students, followed by years ministering to senior citizens, and finishing with a Discovery class for new believers. Interspersed were ample opportunities to share with groups of all sizes at home and abroad. Always longing for growth, Alice’s bookshelves were filled with commentaries and her teachings were handwritten on yellow legal pads. Her knowledge of scripture was remarkable; she was a living concordance!Alice is cherished by her family: three children, David (Beatrix) Flory, Robert (Susy) Flory, and Teresa (Lou) Gregus; nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; one sister, Stella Frisbey; and an abundance of nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Jerry, she was predeceased by her eldest son, Jerry “Jeff” Flory Jr. (Sheila Flory); five brothers: Jerome, John, Zenon, Ben, and Donald Kuzmicky; and two sisters: Rita Ervin and Dorothy Spicer.Donations may be made to the following charities: Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) 3000 Miles to a Cure (3000milestoacure.com/donate/)
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