Due to the snow storm and snow removal there will be no parking on Main Street Until Further Notice
From the Mayor’s Office
May 30, 2024
Florence B. Spiedel
May 23, 2024
“Florence”
The following eulogy was read by Mayor Newhard at the May 29, 2024, memorial service for Florence B. Spiedel –
When my father purchased Akin’s Pharmacy in 1961 the first employee he hired was Florence Spiedel. She remained an employee for over 60 years.
Akin’s Drugstore was a different place then. The Warwick Stage-line, now New Jersey Transit’s bus stop, was at this location. There was the infamous and beloved soda fountain. We made our own ice cream. There was a phone booth and we sold perfumes like Evening in Paris and Jeanne Nate.
In a small town, the drugstore was the gravitational center. It was a place of concoctions, confections and community and growing up with it was magical.
In a small business it is always, “All hands-on deck” and for a new owner of a busy store I’m sure that my dad was glad he hired Florence. My earliest memory was her kindness not only towards me but to everyone around her.
It was clear that she cared and showed that through her dedication. The image of Florence with a broom and dustpan sweeping the sidewalk in front of Akins remains etched in our memory.
Most importantly, even while sweeping, Florence was always impeccably dressed.
Florence dressed effortlessly, beautifully. When dress codes over time relaxed, she remained consistent with her sense of classic style and professionalism. It was how she presented herself as a woman to the world and her connection to a local business of which she was proud. I remember as a kid being amazed by the large beautiful amethyst ring she wore – so surprising, so Florence. I sensed then that she wrote her own rules and for that I was always in awe.
The drugstore evolved through the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and on, always changing. In many ways, Florence remained the continual part and face of our business.
Oddly, she never seemed to age. In a tumultuous world we search for comfort in the familiar. Florence represented that to our customers.
Six decades of change and yet Akin’s Pharmacy remained intact. In part due to the consistency and loyalty of our customers and employees. Florence epitomized that and her skill dealing with local needs became invaluable in our ever-changing community.
We are here today celebrating a remarkable woman. Florence Bonneyman Spiedel is in some ways a Warwick legacy – a legend. She connected us, taught us, scolded us, and made sure we stayed on a steady path.
Our families merge and it is with gratitude that we have had the pleasure and joy of knowing and working side by side with Florence. Her name conjures a flood of memories for each of my family members and to all who knew her, and it usually includes her pineapple cheesecake recipe.
Today we say farewell to a wise guardian who seemed forever young, a Warwick native, a beauty queen in her youth – it is hard to imagine to be without her.
She has been a presence in our lives and in our community. She gave freely and loved, never expecting love in return.
A clear recollection in my mind is Florence pausing, peering over her glasses at me and saying with worldly wisdom, “Is that so…”
We will miss you, Florence, and we send you, our love.
We know you are with us, whether on the busy corner of Main and McEwen, in the wind in the willows at Stanley Deming or the skies that open and make us behold that there are powers far greater than that we know, Rest in peace dear friend.
