Ivanka Florjancic

Ivanka Florjancic, 100, of Girard peacefully passed away on October 28, 2024, at her home, surrounded by the warmth of family. 

She was born December 26, 1923, in Škofja Loka, Slovenia, a daughter to Franc and Lucija (Gartner) Dolenc and her journey through life was marked by resilience, deep faith, and an unwavering spirit.

Growing up amidst the trials of the Great Depression and the tumult of World War II, Ivanka demonstrated remarkable courage as she escaped communism in 1954. Her journey took her first to Austria and then, in 1956, to the United States, where she imbued her new life with the same tenacity she had shown in her early years. In Girard, Ohio, Ivanka built a home with her husband, Anton Storm Florjancic, who has since passed, and together they upheld strong family values and traditions that would resonate through generations.

Becoming an American citizen in 1967 was a significant milestone for Ivanka, as she celebrated her new identity with a patriotic spirit that influenced her family. Her life was anchored in her strong Catholic faith; she prayed daily and regularly attended mass at St. Rose Church, finding solace and strength in her beliefs. She was also a member of The Slovenian American Catholic Union, KSKJ (Kranjsko Slovenska Katoliška Jednota).

Professionally, Ivanka dedicated 17 years working in housekeeping at Northside Hospital in Youngstown. Beyond her career, she cherished family moments spent gardening and baking, with a special fondness for preparing Potica, a traditional Slovenian dessert that brought joy and comfort to her loved ones. Her enthusiasm for bird watching was evident, as she found tranquility in nature’s beauty.

Ivanka’s legacy continues through her children, Barbara (Mark) Loomis, Frank (Theresa) Florjancic, and Tony Storm; grandchildren, Rachell Storm-Baker (Keith Baker) and Justin (Katie) Storm, as well as 8 great-grandchildren; Aaliyah, Amoriah, Storm, Kyah, Kiana, Shania, Kaden, and Kasen. Each of them carries a piece of Ivanka’s spirit, ensuring that her love will echo through their lives for generations to come.

Along with her parents she joins her beloved husband Anton, who she married July 21, 1956, along with her cherished siblings—Franc Dolenc, Jakob Dolenc, Janez Dolenc, Joźef Dolenc, Marija Gartner, Francka Jakopič, Elizabeta Lavtar, Angela Šuštar, Cecilija Šolar, Minka Dolenc, Paula Harastija, and Jožefa Razpotnik —who have awaited her in eternity.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on November 1st at 10:00 AM at St. Rose Church, 48 Main St, in Girard. 

Ivanka will be laid to rest at Girard City Cemetery next to her beloved husband. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions in Ivanka’s memory be made to the Angel Fund at St. Rose Church in Girard.