Florence Mildred Tomsik

Florence Mildred Tomsik (née Mialki), 93, died on August 15, 2023, her birthday and the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Florence always recalled how she spent every birthday attending mass. Her family is at peace knowing that she got to spend her last birthday in heaven.

Florence was born in Natrona Heights, Pennsylvania to Anna and Stephen Mialki in 1930. Florence met John Tomsik, the love of her life, in high school. John joined the Air Force and shortly after returning home from a tour in Germany, he proposed to Florence. In the interim, Florence worked at Bell Telephone, an experience she recalled fondly for the rest of her life. They married on November 11, 1950, Armistice Day (the only day that John had off from work).  John and Florence went on to have seven children: Dr. John (Terri) Tomsik, Dr. Mark (Darlene) Tomsik, Dr. Marlene Skulskie, Mary (Kenneth) Stanford, Brenda (Gregory) Quigley, Kathleen (Robert) Murphy, and Teresa (Dr. Timothy) Holland.  John’s career in the Air Force took the family around the United States and Europe before they eventually settled in Biloxi. Beyond the arduous task of raising seven children, Florence strongly supported her husband as he advanced his career in the military. She made a warm home for her family wherever the Air Force sent them.

Once in Biloxi, the family joined Sacred Heart Catholic Church in D’Iberville and Florence remained a devoted member of the church until her last day on Earth. She prayed the rosary daily and instilled the Christian faith firmly in her children. God, family, and education were core tenants for the Tomsik children. John and Florence proudly watched each of their children earn college degrees and go on to have successful careers in healthcare and families of their own.

Florence’s life was centered around her family. She loved sewing with her five girls and baking desserts and delicacies with them at Christmas, her favorite holiday. Christmas Eve at the Tomsik house—especially after grandchildren arrived on the scene—was a special type of chaos and fun. Florence loved to shop and took pride in wrapping gifts for her family. She enjoyed visiting the local casinos and watching game shows. Above all, she enjoyed spending time with her family. She will be missed dearly.

Beyond all seven of her children, survivors include 17 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren (with 3 more on the way), and many other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, Delores Rusiewicz, Robert Mialki, and Edward Mialki, her husband, John, and one grandchild, Curtis Dumal.

Visitation will be on Thursday, August 31, 2023, from 10 – 11 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in D’Iberville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am in the church. Burial will be in the Biloxi National Cemetery.  A luncheon will follow burial at the Le Fleur De Lis located at 6650 Rose Farm Road Ocean Springs.  All are welcome to join.

Memorials may be sent to St. Vincent DePaul Society at Sacred Heart Church.

The Riemann Family Funeral Home, 13872 West Jackson County, is serving the family and online condolences may be offered at www.riemannfamily.com