Florence Torok

Florence (Suesser) Torok, previously of Fort Myers, FL and most recently of Erie passed from this earthly life on Sunday, August 18, 2024 at the age of 101 after a life exceedingly well-lived and just two months short of her 102nd birthday. She was born on October 12, 1922, the sixth of nine children to George P. and Edith (McCormick) Suesser. 

 She was a devoted wife of Edward N. Torok and beloved aunt and great-aunt to the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of her brothers and sisters. Florence was a gifted skater in her youth and for several years taught skating in Erie. One of her favorite, if not best, pupils was her eventual husband who used skating as one of the ways to pursue his intended wife. A graduate of Strong Vincent High School class of 1942, Florence attained her Master of Education degree from Kent State University. She was a career educator, enriching the lives of elementary and middle school students in Erie and Andover, Ohio. Florence was exceptionally devoted to her students, remaining in contact with many up until the time of her death. 

Upon her retirement from teaching in the early 1980’s, Florence and Ed moved to Fort Myers, Florida where they had been part-time “snowbirds” since the mid- 1950’s. Florence was a superb cook, an ardent swimmer, and a serious collector of Lladro figurines. Both she and Ed were accomplished organists. She also enjoyed playing cards with her many friends in the Cross Creek community in Fort Myers and was a longtime volunteer with her church community.

Always ready with a smile and a kind word, she was a warm and generous friend to many, but in particular to her many nieces and nephews. Fiercely independent, Florence lived on her own in Fort Myers following the death of her beloved Ed in 2001. She returned to Erie in 2021, and continued to live independently, despite almost complete loss of vision until a few weeks before her passing, assisted and supported by her great-niece, Pamela Fitzpatrick and her husband Robert.

Besides her parents, Florence was preceded in death by her husband, Ed Torok; a daughter, Sheri Ann Torok, and her siblings; Beryl Jardine, George Suesser, Catherine Worner, Lucille Frisbie, Herbert Suesser, Virginia Suesser, Betty Schuster, and Shirley Suesser.

She was an extraordinary woman who will remain in the memories of the many lives she touched including several nieces, nephews and their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Florence’s family would like to thank Lakeland Hospice for the wonderful care provided to her in her last weeks.

Friends are invited to call at the Burton Quinn Scott Cremation and Funeral Services, West Ridge, 3801 W.26th St. on Sunday, August 25, 2024 from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm and are invited to attend Funeral Services Monday at 11:00 am in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 3108 Sterrettania Rd. followed by burial next to Ed in Laurel Hill cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105 or to Shriners Children’s Hospital Erie, 1645 W.8th St., Erie, PA 16505.

Send condolences to www.BurtonQuinnScott.com