Florence Leibell, of Livingston New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 11, at the age of 91 with her family by her side.
Florence – known as “Bubbles,” “Flo,” and “Flossie,” to name a few – was born to Herman and Lilly Brody in Beth Israel Hospital in New York City, New York. She was raised in Hoboken and Weehawken.
Upon marrying, she lived in Newark, Union, and Bergenfield for a short time. She settled with her husband, Jerry, of 65 years and her two children, Jillian and Jonathan in Livingston, New Jersey.
Florence had a twin sister, Cynthia, and together they owned and operated a Merle Norman cosmetics studio for 33 years in West New York, New Jersey. Florence was a first mate to Jerry on many sailing excursions; an annual visitor of more than three decades to Aspen, Colorado; she was Jane to her Tarzan Jerry in the jungles of Africa while searching for gorillas; and many other worldly adventures. Florence and Jerry were like bread and butter, the “Smart Balance” brand.
Florence was extremely devoted and attentive to her family. She was selfless, caring, compassionate, supportive, and very loving! She was elegant yet unassuming. She could make anyone laugh at her perfectly executed rooster and cow bellow sounds. She was a great listener who would lend you an ear in a time of need, a team player. A precious gem in our family.
Florence is survived by her husband, Jerry; daughter, Jillian Kops; son, Jonathan Leibell; daughter-inlaw Faith Leibell; grandchildren, Zachary Kops, Jeremy Leibell, and Layla Leibell.
A memorial service was held on February 18, at the Menorah Chapel in Union. In memory of her name and in lieu of flowers, a donation to the Hadassah Foundation and/or St. Jude Hospital would be greatly appreciated.
