Floreen Lena Bernardo Sticka

On a crisp, clear day, our beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law, sister, grandmother, aunt, great aunt, and great-great aunt made her final journey surrounded by her family at home.

Floreen was born to Antonio Bernardo and Fannie Fratto on May 27th, 1934. She grew up on the family farm, the fourth of ten children, delighted by all the demands and joys of farm life. Working with her family, being outdoors, caring for livestock, producing meat, cheese, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and wool for use by the family as well as commercially, was a central part of the happy childhood she shared with her many siblings. She enjoyed helping her parents plant and maintain the gardens, orchards, fields, and pastures on their beautiful farm.

In her early twenties her beloved Papa, whom she adored, passed away from cancer, leaving her Mama to care for the five young children still remaining at home. Floreen, along with the other oldest siblings, did her part to help the family survive this devastating loss.

In the 1950’s, Floreen sought and gained employment in the telecommunications industry where she was responsible for finalizing the monthly accounting journal for the western states intermountain region reporting to New York. Each month she shouldered the task of accurately assessing the individual billing to all parties in Utah and Idaho.

In 1963, Floreen met a young man who would be the love of her life. William (Bill) Sticka came to Utah from Montana as a young recruit for AT&T. A near-tragedy drew them closely together when Bill suffered a horrific auto accident at the hands of a drunk driver. Floreen stayed by Bill’s side as he began and succeeded in a lengthy recovery.

Bill and Floreen married on May 15th, 1965. They welcomed two daughters into the world and showered them with love and affection.

Floreen chose to leave work and remain a full-time mother to her family which she always saw as the greatest gift God could ever bestow. She began a new journey with her husband Bill, raising their daughters and supporting them through many interests and adventures. By far, becoming a Grandmother was among her greatest joys.

Floreen’s final battle with Alzheimer’s Disease was the truest evidence of her courage and strength as she took up her burden each day and did her very best to continue forward. It was a deep sorrow to her that she could no longer provide support to her family and instead, reluctantly required more and more help. She was determined to continue her life with her family right up to the last few days when her illness finally robbed her of her speech.

The “quiet” center of our family has now peacefully passed into the loving hands of our Savior. We owe her everything and will love her always

Floreen is preceded in death by her father, Antonio, mother, Fannie, sisters, Mary, Francis, and Geraldine; brother, Johnny, and brother-in-law, James Dailey. She is survived by her loving husband Bill, daughters Stefanie (Andrew) and Michelle, grandchildren, Kepler, Bronwen (Mangesh,) Declan, Roan, and Colin, sisters, Francine, Jeanie (James,) and Louise, brothers, Jimmie (Sandra,) and Paul (Jeanne,) sister-in-law, Henrietta, many nephews, nieces, great and great-great nieces and nephews, and her “ornery animal” companion Bentley, who misses her dearly.

Our heartfelt thanks goes to the staff at Summit Home Health and Hospice with special thanks going to Annette, Wes, and most especially to Chantelle. Their loving and very professional care was invaluable.A Vigil and Rosary will be held at St. Thomas More Catholic Church on Friday, February 11th, 2022 at 6:30 pm with a viewing and funeral mass to be held on Saturday, February 12th also at St. Thomas More Catholic Church. The viewing will begin at 12:30 pm followed by the Funeral Mass 1:00 pm. Interment will follow directly after at Memorial Mountain View Cemetery on Bengal Blvd in Cottonwood Heights. The family extends it’s most heartfelt gratitude for the kind and thoughtful services provided by Starks Funeral Parlor.