Florence Margaret Allemon Tavery was born July 10, 1921. The oldest of 3 children born to William and Emma Allemon, she was born on the property at Mack and University where the family business still stands. She had two brothers, Henry (Eleanor) and Joe (Rachel) Allemon. Her mother died when she was just 2, and her father eventually decided to move the family to a farm in New Baltimore, where he raised vegetables to sell on the Eastern Market. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School, and the family moved back to the house on Mack in Detroit.
She was at a Belgian picnic with friends, where she met Hank Tavery. Shortly afterwards he enlisted in the army air corps during WWII. Florence worked with her Pa selling bushels of dirt and volunteered at a hospital while Hank and her brothers Henry and Joe were in the war. Florence and Hank were engaged during one of his furloughs, and married just months after he returned from the Pacific. Their first daughter Mary Ann was born just 10 months later. Over 19 years, Florence and Hank had 8 more children. In addition to Mary Ann (William Conklin), they had Nancy (Tom Cummings), Sue (Terry Brennan), Joe (Pam), Kathy (Mark Eggers), Mike (Jan), Sharon (Bill Pfeuffer), Lisa (John Vismara), and John (Lynn). She had 23 grandchildren and many great grandchildren.
Florence loved to bake and cook, and collected thousands of cook books. She was known for her Belgian Raisin Bread, which she baked often and sold to support Fr. Cesear Maes, a missionary priest in Guatemala. She also bowled, and took up golf in her 60’s. Florence and Hank were part of a card club that met monthly, where they laughed a lot and got in a few hands of pinochle. Florence and Hank liked to travel to Florida, Toronto, and to visit their children in several states.
Florence was a devoted Catholic, had a strong devotion to the Blessed Mother, and made rosaries for many family members and others. She and Hank were founding and active members of St. Philomena School and Parish.
Florence in recent years lived in Florida. Despite illness, she maintained her sense of humor, and her love of coffee. She enjoyed being outside, watching the birds at her feeders, and family visits.
Florence’s family want to thank the wonderful and caring staff of Life Care of Estero, and especially her care manager Dawn.
Florence is survived by her 9 children and their spouses and families, her sister-in-law Rachel, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and by the many grateful recipients of her baking talents.
Funeral arrangements will be posted, will occur in Michigan at a later date. Charitable contributions can be made to the Capuchins (www.cskdetroit.org) or to the Msgr. Peter Lentini Endowment Fund at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, 2701 Chicago Blvd, Detroit, MI 48206.
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