Carole Florian
Former Rochester Native Carole Florian, 85, was surrounded by her loving family when she entered into Jesus’ presence at 8:20 a.m., Thursday, March 21, 2019. at her home in Charleston, S.C. This was a result of complications from a stroke.
On Nov. 14, 1933, Carole Smiley was born in Fulton County. She was a treasured daughter of Ethel King Smiley. As one of the seven Smiley kids, growing up she shared her childhood with a sister and five brothers. She graduated from Talma High School in 1951. She continued her education to achieve her life dream of becoming a nurse at Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in South Bend, graduating in 1954 with the distinction of being a registered nurse.
In Plymouth, on Sept. 2, 1956, Carole married the love of her life, Duke Florian. They have shared 62 years of life’s adventures. From their union came three wonderful children Dan, Rick and Traci. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of two more generations.
Carole Florian RN, initiated her professional nursing career at South Bend Memorial as a surgical nurse, dedicated to working for patients in the unit. Later she worked at Parkview Hospital in Plymouth. She enjoyed giving back to her community with Dr. Otis Bowen, MD, giving shots at the local clinic.
In the 1990s Duke and Carole moved to the Indianapolis area where they were members of the College Park Church. Carole was baptized into God’s covenant family after a profession of faith.
Left to cherish Carole’s memory are her husband Duke; three children: Dan (Susan) Florian, Baroda, Mich.; Rick (Lisa) Florian, Franklin, Tenn., Traci Florian Dove Kennedy, Charleston, S.C.; 10 grandchildren: Brittani (Florian) Droll, Jordan Florian, Kelsey Florian, Taylor Florian, Will Florian, Hunter Florian, Lily Florian, Jack Florian, Stephanie Dove, Tiffany Dove, Three great-grandchildren: Milana Florian, Haven Florian and Hans Florian; a brother, James “Jim” (Charlotte) Smiley, Argos; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding Carole in death are her mother, Ethel Smiley, a sister, Margaret VanderHeyden and the four Smiley brothers, Julias “Sam,” Richard, Kenneth and Paul.
A celebration of the life of Carole Florian will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 30, 2019, in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester. Burial will follow in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery. Her family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Friday afternoon and on Saturday an hour prior to her service. Online expressions of sympathy may be made to her family at www.goodfamilyfh.com