Flora Workman

Flora Workman, 91, a resident of Jamesville, N.Y., passed away March 29, 2017 at Francis House. She was the daughter of Alfred and Ersilia Ablondi. Born in New Jersey, she grew up in Pearl River, N. Y.

Flora attended Syracuse University (S.U.) where she earned her B.A. (cum laude) and M.A. degrees. She was the recipient of a Melvin A. Eggers Senior Alumni Award and served on the S.U. National Alumni Board of Directors. It was while they were attending S.U. that Flora met her husband-to-be, Edgar M. Workman and they married following his service as a naval officer in World War II.

Flora was a teacher at Charles Andrews and H.W. Smith Elementary Schools in Syracuse. She was a representative of her fellow teachers to the Syracuse Teachers' Association and also served on the association's Board of Directors.

During her retirement, Flora volunteered at S.U. and Oasis. She enjoyed singing with the Oasis Chorus, the Note-a-Belles, and the Nottingales. She continued her interests in watercolor, scratch-art and knitting. At the Nottingham, she led a group of women, the "Knit-Wits", who knitted and crocheted some hundreds of lap-robes and donated them to infirmed Loretto residents.

Flora was predeceased by her parents, her beloved husband, her brother Mario Ablondi, her brother Bruno Ablondi (who was killed in action in Korea), and her nephew Bruce Ablondi.

She is survivied by her beloved daughter, Nancy Workman, her sister-in-law Marie Ablondi, niece Cecile Ablondi (James) Goldsack, and their children James and Priscilla; nephew Bruce Ablondi's children Jillian and Jenna; four great-great nieces and a great nephew, many cousins; god-daughter Katherine Rausa; and nephew Lance King.

The family wishes to thank the staff and residents at the Nottingham for their friendships with Flora, which she enjoyed so much. They also thank everyone at the Francis House for their kindness and care.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, April 2nd, from 3pm – 6pm at Burns Garfield Funeral Home, 3175 East Genesee St. Syracuse A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated Monday April 3rd at 11 am at Holy Cross Church, Dewitt, NY. Entombment will follow in St. Mary's Mausoleum .

Donations can be made to the Francis House, 108 Michaels Ave., Syracuse, NY 13208 or your favorite charity.