Floriene N. Garrabrant

Floriene Garrabrant, small but mighty, always with a smile to share along with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, fierce protector of her daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, devoted partner to her husband, and passionate about her deeply rooted connections with family and friends, passed away on March 2, 2026, at the age of 88.

Born on February 2, 1938, in Nyack, NY, Floriene paved her own path into adulthood—a journey that was often challenging but ultimately rewarding as she overcame obstacles with determination and grace. She graduated from Nyack High School in 1956 and embarked on her first job as a Keypunch Operator for Orange and Rockland Utilities. While she was a classmate of John David Garrabrant in high school, Dave did not win her heart until he was in college, and they married on May 21, 1961.

Children soon entered the picture and being a mother to Debbie and Lori was Floriene’s true calling. She and Dave provided their daughters with a childhood full of affection, laughter, and unconditional love. Floriene could be seen, and heard, at dance recitals, swim meets, tennis matches, and field hockey games. Family meals were a must, with assigned seating, and a plate of food that was required to contain multiple colors (parsley was often used to add a touch of green). As the girls grew into adulthood, Floriene’s role evolved from mother to friend, speaking with her daughters daily (often multiple times a day). Weddings soon entered the picture and while she adored her son-in-laws Jim and Marty, Floriene’s four grandchildren, Michael, Kyle, Cooper, and Sydney were her greatest joy. If anyone had the pleasure of watching Mimi with her grandchildren, there was no denying her love for them, but also their absolute love for her.

Floriene had a variety of interests including tennis (participant and spectator), needlepoint, quilting, and reading. Her passion for literature led her to open her own used bookstore, "Twice Told Tales", and later joining the “young kids” at Border's Bookstore in Flemington. Her career was not merely a profession but a reflection of her love for reading and engaging with her community.

An embodiment of community spirit and her Christian faith, Floriene volunteered her time and talents alongside Dave. Together, they contributed to the life of their church, initially at Grace Episcopal Church in Nyack and later at Church of the Holy Spirit in Lebanon, NJ. Floriene’s personality shone brightly as a "people person" who genuinely enjoyed conversing with anyone, and she took great delight in the music that filled her surroundings.

Floriene is survived by her beloved husband, John David Garrabrant; their daughter and son-in-law, Deborah and James Daley of Somerville, NJ; their daughter and son-in-law, Lori and Martin Hnatov of Chatham, NJ; and her cherished grandchildren, Michael (Stephanie), Kyle (Maddie), Cooper, and Sydney. She also celebrated the joy of being a great-grandmother to Caden and Nora. Floriene is remembered by her sister and brother-in-law, Marlene and Kevin Kuebler of New Hope, PA, her brother and sister-in-law, Craig and Cindy D'Auria of Marietta, GA, her sister-in-law, Mary Jane Ekdahl of Wellfleet, MA, her sister-in-law Patty D’Auria of Davenport, FL, and her nieces and nephews.

Details regarding the Celebration of Life will be shared in the future, so please visit this webpage periodically for updates.

Funeral and cremation services are under the direction of Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main St. Flemington NJ 08822. For further information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Research Hospital or St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center by clicking the links below.

Floriene leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, kindness, and service, forever remembered in the hearts of those she touched during her remarkable life.