Florence Sleeper

Florence “Flo” Sleeper, 95, passed away October 7, 2021, at her home. She was born in Johnson City, New York, November 7, 1925 the daughter of Gasper and Sussanna Palinik.

Flo married Mitchell Sleeper after his discharge from the service in the Navy after the war on February 9, 1946, and they enjoyed 75 years of marriage.

They started and operated Sleepers and the Jac and Jean Shops throughout the state. Flo was an integral part of the store layouts and design, purchasing, and displays at all the store locations.

Flo was a very active member of the community and was very passionate about the YWCA and was one of the originators of the famous Spring Fair that was a huge fundraising event for the YWCA for many years. She was also a member of the Quipus Club of Bangor. Flo and her husband Mitchell have been very philanthropic to the community over the years.

She loved spending time with her family having picnics, eating lobster at Schoodic Point, spending time at the family camp on Hurd Pond and going on cruises all over the world with her husband. Flo was very artistic and talented in many areas, enjoying gardening, knitting, needlepoint, rug hooking and wood carving.

Surviving in addition to her husband are three sons, Michael Sleeper, Richard Sleeper, Steven Sleeper and his wife, Terri; a daughter Susan Brush and her husband Tony; grandchildren, Anna Cressey, Julia Whiting, Maria Burke, Michael Sleeper, Cole Sellazzo, Jeffrey Sellazzo, Alex Brush and great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, a sister, and 4 brothers and granddaughter Michelle Sleeper. The family would like to thank her caregivers, Angie and Heather as well as Janice with VNA Hospice for their loving and compassionate care of Flo.

Relatives and friends are invited to call 5-7:00 PM, Monday, October 11, 2021, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 AM, Tuesday, October 12, 2021, at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 768 Ohio St., Bangor, followed by the Rite of Committal at Mt. Pleasant Catholic Cemetery. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center St., following the service. Face Coverings are highly recommended regardless of vaccination status. Gifts in her memory may be made to the Mitchell and Florence Sleeper Endowment Fund, at Northern Light Health Foundation, P.O. Box 931, Bangor, ME. 04401-0931, or to the YWCA 17 Second Street, Bangor, Maine 04401. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.