Dorothy "Elaine" Florkowski, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2025, in Fairfield, California, at the age of 81.
Elaine was born on February 22, 1943, in Van Nuys, California. She graduated from Simi Valley High School in 1961 before pursuing a career in nursing. She earned her nursing degree from Chaffey College and went on to dedicate 23 years as a labor and delivery nurse, primarily at San Dimas Community Hospital. Her compassionate care and dedication touched the lives of countless families during one of the most significant moments of their lives.
Elaine shared 62 wonderful years of marriage with her husband, Robert Florkowski. Together, they built a loving family that includes their children Patricia Woichik, Cathy Clauson, and Michael Florkowski. Elaine was also a cherished sister to Wayne Lanham, Robert Lanham, and Darla Conner. She adored her grandchildren Ellen, Ryan, and Ethan Woichik; Rebecca and Natalie Clauson; Kelsey Guy; and Cyan Florkowski as well as her great-grandchildren Scarlet and Elianna Guy and Re, Czr, and Ehva Woichik. Elaine now joins her beloved daughter Linda Hier and grandchildren Joshua and Jennifer Hier in eternal rest.
Beyond her professional life, Elaine found joy in traveling and took great pleasure in spoiling her grandchildren. She was also deeply committed to service through her volunteer work with the Red Cross. A woman of faith, she served as a Eucharistic minister at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church in Benicia. Her calm voice of reason was missed in the last decade of her life.
A memorial service will be held on March 1, 2025, at McCune Garden in Vacaville, California (212 Main St.), beginning at 11 am. Following the service, a wake will take place at Rockville Terrace (4625 Mangels Blvd., Fairfield).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Red Cross in Elaine’s memory. Her kindness and devotion to family will forever be remembered by those whose lives she touched.
