Submitted by: Dan Rich

Flora M. Robinson Holycross

March 19, 1940 - May 29, 2008

South Bend Tribune 6/1/2008
SOUTH BEND - Flora M. Robinson Holycross, 68, entered eternal life on Thursday, May 29, 2008, at 9:45 p.m. in her home surrounded by family and friends. To our family and loved ones we cannot honor our mother more than to share some of her final words. Flora was born March 19, 1940, to the union of Samuel L. Robinson and Bessie M. (Houston) Robinson in Judsonia, Arkansas. She was number nine of 11 children, raised under the loving spiritual care of her parents on their family farm. It was there Flo's love of nature and taking long hikes became part of her being. After the death of her father her family moved north to South Bend in 1956.

In 1958 she was introduced to Harrison E. Holycross by his younger sister, Joann. On June 24, 1961, they were united in holy matrimony. Survivors include her daughter, Melissa R. Holycross, RN (companion, Denny Elmerick) of South Bend; son, Micah A. Holycross (companion, Kasia Giza) of Chicago; second son-nephew, Sean K. (Marjorie) Breslin; her grand-babies, Jacob M. Holycross, Josiah D. Holycross, Andrew S. and Danielle L. Breslin; Jacob's loving mother, Susan Leeper; sisters, Bessie Shores, Rosebud, Arkansas, Virl Breeding, Judsonia, Arkansas, Sue (Dan) Clemens, Springfield, Missouri; a brother, Delmer (Marjorie) Robinson, South Bend, IN; loving family members; close friends and Florida companions, Glen and Joann Boudreau; and numerous brothers and sisters in the Lord. Her nieces and nephews will surely miss their loving aunt who organized grand family reunions in Arkansas and "dragged" them along on long hikes. In her own elegant way she gently but firmly provided words of wisdom and faithful instruction to all she loved. In 1979 she became a tailor, under the tutelage of Master Tailor Joseph Szalay. This life dream was achieved through the personal sacrifices of her faithful husband Harry and her own hard work and dedication. She began her tailoring career at Milady's, downtown South Bend. She then moved on to work in the alterations department at the former Hudson's/Marshall Field's Department Store. Flo soon proved that she could lead and was appointed manager over both the South Bend and Fort Wayne departments. She retired in 2002 to spend more time with her family, especially her grand-babies. Both her natural and church families were her life. Gardening, hiking, collecting rocks, wild flowers and souvenirs from nature, cooking for her family, planning unforgettable holiday gatherings were her passions. Her family affectionately called her "Martha" for her skills in interior decorating/design and gilding many items from the woods. Her incomparable beauty and grace decorated the lives of all who were blessed to know her. More important than her life's accomplishments was her walk with Christ. She led by word and deed. There was none more faithful. Flora was preceded in death by her parents, her mother-in-law, Nina Holycross, sisters, Mona Weaver and Mary Elizabeth Robinson; and brothers, Claude, Burl, Ernest and Samuel Robinson.

Friends may visit with family today, June 1, in Keller Park Missionary Church, 1003 W. Bryan Street, corner of Bryan and Sherman, South Bend, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. A celebration of her faithful life will be held in the church on Monday, June 2, at 2:00 p.m., with Pastor Ryan Yazel officiating. Graveside services and burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery. It is her husband's request that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Keller Park Missionary Church, 1003 W. Bryan Street, South Bend, IN 46616; or to the Salvation Army. Jeremiah 29:11 The Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 South Michigan Street, South Bend, is assisting the Holycross family with funeral arrangements.