Florence Ann Calise

December 20, 1930 - October 17, 2020

Florence Ann (McKevitt) Calise, age 89 of Vineland, passed away peacefully, surrounded by members of her family on Saturday afternoon, October 17, 2020. She had been in declining health over the last year. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY to the late Joseph and Gertrude (Groves) McKevitt, Florence graduated from Willoughby High School #162 in Brooklyn. Florence married Francis William Calise in 1950 and shared over 53 years of marriage until he passed away in 2003. Florence was working as a switchboard operator, and after being married, moved to New Jersey, centered around the Highland Park area for many years. She changed jobs and worked for the variety store, W.F. Grant for many years. She then became a Certified Nursing Assistant, and worked for over 20 years in the Home Health Care field in both New Jersey and then Florida, where she later moved. Florence loved being in Florida, living in Barefoot Bay for 20 years and then moving to Vero Beach for twelve years. She enjoyed crocheting afghans and other beautiful treasures for her family over the years. She absolutely loved socializing and going dancing with her friends. Also, her all-time favorite song was "Proud Mary." Florence was a member of the English Club when she lived in Barefoot Bay, and she was a longtime member of the Red Hat Society. She was also a member of the Lighthouse Church of God in Millville. Florence truly cherished the time that she was able to share with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren. Florence will be sadly missed by her son Jerry Calise and wife Ellen of Vineland; four grandchildren, Gerald F. Calise, Joan Marie White, Thomas Michael Calise, and Michael Lutinski; three great grandchildren, William Calise, Anthony White and Annabelle White; her very special favorite niece Sharon Raymond; niece Linda Raymond; many other nieces, nephews, and cousins; and her best friend, Alice. She was predeceased by her daughter Donna Marie Lutinski in 2000; two brothers, Joseph McKevitt, Jr. and John McKevitt; one sister Marilyn Raymond; and her loving dog Coco. Florence's family would also like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to the caring staff of Bayada at Inspira Hospice. Services for Florence will be private at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the direction of Christy Funeral Home, Millville. In loving memory of Florence, memorial contributions may be made to any of the following: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or at the website: stjude.org; Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607 or at the website: donate.lovetotherescue.org; or the American Cancer Society, 1851 Old Cuthbert Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 or at the website: donate3.cancer.org. Memories and expressions of sympathy for Florence Ann Calise may be shared on the Obituary Tribute Wall at: www.christyfuneralservice.com.