Obituary of Florence E. Klimas

Florence E. Klimas, age 88, died on Saturday March 31, 2018 in the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Somerset, New Jersey. She was born in Wilmington, Delaware and spent most of her adult life in Somerset County, primarily in Hillsborough and Martinsville. Mrs. Klimas received a B.S. degree in Medical Technology from the University of Delaware and her MA in Elementary Education from Kean College of New Jersey. She began a 28-year career in teaching, starting as a substitute teacher in the Montgomery Township school system and then moving to the Branchburg Township school system, where she taught 7th & 8th grade math and science until her retirement. During her career, Mrs. Klimas was active in numerous professional organizations, including the Association of Mathematics Teacher of New Jersey and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. She was awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematic Teaching at the state level. She was also awarded the Somerset County Teacher of the Year award and was runner up in the New Jersey State Teacher of the Year award in 1989. Mrs. Klimas was very active in the Somerset County 4-H youth organization. She was a club leader for many years in girls' Home Economics Activities and was a judge at the annual 4-H fair sewing and knitting competitions for decades. The Joseph J. and Florence E. Klimas Scholarship Fund was established after the passing of Mr. Klimas to assist and reward one 4-H college student annually. This college scholarship was designated to assist a student towards a degree and career in teaching. In addition to her 4-H activities, she was active in the Raritan Valley Grange, acting as coordinator for the annual Somerset County Spelling Bee. Mrs. Klimas had a passion for knitting and was rarely seen without yarn and knitting needles in hand. Her family and friends always appreciated the gifts of sweaters, hats, and afghan quilts that she made. She was also very active in quilting and origami, winning awards at several area competitions. She is predeceased by her husband Joseph J. Klimas. Surviving are her sons Randy S. Goodell and his wife Andrea, Scott K. Goodell and his wife MaryAnn, Dustan G. Goodell and his wife Angela, and her stepchildren, Andrew S. Klimas and his wife Ann, John T. Klimas and his wife Kathleen, Edward G. Klimas and his wife Susan, and Marcella L. Klimas. Also surviving is her sister Elaine E. Eichler, her nephew Paul Eilcher, his family, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Memorial services will be held on Thursday April 5th, between the hours of 5PM and 7PM at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd, Watchung, NJ 07069. Interment will be held on Friday April 6th, at 10AM. At Mt. Salem United Methodist Church, 2629 W. 19th Street, Wilmington, DE 19806. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her honor to the Joseph J. and Florence E. Klimas scholarship fund with Somerset Co. 4H clubs.