Florence Katz was 5 weeks short of her 99th birthday. She was born in the Bronx to Morris and Lena Reichner, the youngest of four children. She had three older brothers, with whom she was close her entire life.  She attended Walton High School and graduated from Hunter College at the age of 19 with a degree in music with aspirations of being a concert pianist. She studied piano for many years and performed concerts in local venues in the NY area.  Music was a source of great comfort for her and played well into her advanced years. Florence married Gerald Eckstein only a few months after graduating college and gave birth to her son Paul and a few years later to her daughter Roberta. She eventually secured a long term position at the Porter Henry Company where she advanced from administrative assistant to chairperson of the Board over the years. In July 1958, Florence and family moved from the Bronx to New  Rochelle  where she would remain for the rest of her life.

In 1980, Florence divorced Gerald, and a year later married Stanley Katz of White Plains and became a stepmother to Cima and Noah. She and Stanley traveled to many places in Europe, most notably in Italy. She continued her piano studies with Professor Gregory Haimovsky. Florence and Stanley had many wonderful social gatherings at  their house on Paine Avenue, and were famous for their Porch Parties.

She is survived by Paul (Denise) Eckstein, Roberta (Michael) Wolf, Grandchildren Deborah, Jamie, Daniel, Matthew, Joshua and Rebecca) and former daughter-in-law Sue Lipman Eckstein. ,The family has grown even more with 3 great-grandchildren (Miles, Alex and Nina). She was devoted to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was a beloved matriarch of the family.

Florence and Stanley were involved with the Ranachqua Foundation, founded by Stanley and friends as young men to help fund college education for Eagle Scouts from the Bronx. Donations can be made in Florence’s honor to Ranachqua Foundation, 1732 Astor Ave., Bronx, NY 10469.