Florence Petrusa, 77, of Berwick, PA, passed away peacefully at home on November 6, 2026, surrounded by family who loved her.
Born in Wilkes-Barre, PA on February 3, 1949, she was the daughter of the late Irvin and Florence (Redenski) Thompson. The family moved to Berwick in 1953. Florence graduated from Berwick High School in 1967. She was employed as a legal secretary for Attorney John M. Kuchka for seven years and for Attorney David C. Dickson, Jr., for 26 years. From 2004 to 2010, she worked at Bethany Blessings Christian Pre-School and Day Care as an assistant pre-school teacher.
Florence was an active member of The First Reformed United Church of Christ, Berwick, where she taught children’s Sunday School and directed Vacation Bible School for more than 30 years. She helped establish the Caring Ministry at that church in 1992, which included visitations to shut-in members by lay persons. She served two terms on the Consistory as Deacon and Elder as well as President and was a member of the Pastoral Search Committee in 1997. She also served as Pastor’s Door Assistant, Women’s Guild president and prayer leader. She became a 50-year member in 2012.
In 1970, she married Frank J. Petrusa and God blessed them with two children, Timothy and Lori. Timothy passed away on November 25, 2011, at age 37.
Besides her parents and son, she was predeceased by her sister, Mary Harless, her brother, Irvin Thompson, a nephew, Daniel Scott Harless, and great-niece, Tamara Harless.
In addition to her husband and daughter, she is survived by her daughter-in-law, Sarah; sister, Carolyn Mele and husband Frank, Mifflinville; brother, Jeffrey Thompson of Bloomsburg; sister-in-law, Mariann Tucker; nephews, David Harless, Robert Harless, Chris Mele, Nick Mele, and Matthew Tucker; and great-nephews, David Michael Harless, Cameron Mele, and Quinn Mele.
Funeral services will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the American Cancer Society.
Online messages of comfort for her family may be sent to condolences@HellerFuneralHomeLLC.com