Obituary of Florence Stadtmuller

Florence Elizabeth Stadtmuller, a longtime resident of Fairfield, died on Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at Norwalk Hospital.

She was born in New Jersey, the first of three daughters, to Michael and Elizabeth Kiss, both formerly of Connecticut. After completing her schooling in New Jersey, she worked for the Union County Trust Co., the during the war years, for General Motors Co., Airplane Division in Linden. When the war ended, she came to stay with her grandparents, John and Flora Nemeth in Fairfield. The Nemeths had many years of history here, having had a farm on Old Benson Road. It was at this time she met and married Edward James Ryan, of Bridgeport. They had two children, Susan and Thomas, and then later divorced. In 1963, Florence married Kalman Thomas Stadtmuller, who died on October 19, 2016.

Florence was an avid reader of every topic. She enjoyed mystery books and liked to tell of her conversation with mystery writer, Mary Higgins Clark, when they met years ago in a local bookstore. Kalman and Florence also enjoyed document series about history and wildlife. She loved children and nature and was amused by the white squirrels that showed up in her yard. Her creativity showed up in her love of painting, handicrafts, and cooking. She illustrated an article written by her sister for a psychology journal as well as doing work up drawings for a book on yoga. Florence was known for having a keen wit and ability to size up people and events with sharp precision. Hers was a generous heart and her 93 years, summed up by her brother-in-law, Lenny Page, “added up to a very successful life”.

Florence is survived by her daughter, Susan Ryan, and her husband, George Lavigne, of Williston, VT; her son, Thomas Ryan, and his wife, Deborah, of West Haven, five grandchildren, Brenda Warner, Timothy Runyon, Thomas Ryan, Jr., Danielle Morabito, and Nicole Ryan; eight great-grandchildren, Andrew and Emily Warner, Christine Reed, Timothy Runyon, Jr., Carley, Ryan, and Peyton Morabito, and Hunter Ryan; three great-great grandchildren, Miles, McKenna, and Max; two sisters, Elizabeth Dahlhaus, of Eatontown, NJ and Michaeline Kiss, of Santa Cruz, CA; as well as several cousins in Connecticut, New York, and California.

The family wishes to give special thanks to the staff of Split Rock Assisted Living, Shelton, for the many considerations shown to her this year, as well as for their appreciation of her unique qualities.

Graveside funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 11 am in Mt. Grove Cemetery, Bridgeport. Calling hours will be held on Monday from 6-8 pm in the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home, 1209 Post Rd., Fairfield Center.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Fairfield Audubon Society, 2325 Burr Street, Fairfield, CT 06824 or and Animal Charity of one’s choice.