Florence Gardner Soltys' Obituary
Florence Gardner Soltys, resident of Memphis, TN, passed away peacefully into the arms of
her Lord and Savior on Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023.
Florence was born on July 22, 1937 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late George and Esther Gardner. She was a member of the Germantown High School (Philadelphia) Class of 1955. After graduation, Florence attended stenography school before pursuing a career at a local bank. Following her marriage to her husband Andrew in 1959, Florence spent the next eighteen years devoting herself to taking care of her family and raising her children. As the wife of a special agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, she was often tasked with preparing her home and family for their next move to a new city. Once permanently settled in Nashville, TN, Florence decided to re-enter the work force and spent several years working in both the Legal Department and Trauma Center at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Upon retirement, Florence and Andrew relocated to Memphis, TN where they could be closer
to their children and grandchildren. Florence was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who enjoyed attending her family’s school, sports, and extra-curricular activities. She was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Church for 22 years where she served as a Eucharistic Minister.
Florence is survived by her daughters, Theresa Soltys Mitchell (William) and Andrea Soltys
Calvery (Michael); her grandchildren Nichole, Ashleigh, Katharyn and Lauryn Mitchell and
Benjamin (Deborah) Calvery; her brother William Gardner of Hudson, Florida; and several
nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Andrew J. Soltys, Jr.; her father, George
Albert Gardner and her mother, Esther Coull Gardner; her sisters, Evelyn Parento and Eleanor
Downs; and her brothers George and Charles Gardner.
Family members will receive friends and family in the Fireside Chapel at Memorial Park Funeral
Home, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38119, on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.
Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. followed by interment at Memorial Park Mausoleum.
The family would like to thank the entire staff at Belmont Village Senior Living Memphis for the
excellent care and compassion shared with Florence during her time as a resident.
What’s your fondest memory of Florence?
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Share a story where Florence's kindness touched your heart.
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