Florence Mills

Florence Kocholek Mills, 97, of Hermitage, passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Avalon Springs Nursing Home, Mercer.

Mrs. Mills was born on October 18, 1928, in Mercer, PA, a daughter of the late Albert and Rose (Mileski) Maykowski.

A dedicated homemaker, Florence was a member of the former St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, Sharon. Upon the church’s closure, she became a member at the Church of Notre Dame, Hermitage.

She was also a member of the Shenango Valley Senior Center. Florence was a talented cook and baker. She had a passion for country music, and in her younger years played in the “Hank and his Rhythm Pals Band,” with her brother, Chester. Florence also enjoyed working on puzzles, but above all, she loved spending time with her family, which was most important to her.

She is survived by two daughters, JoAnne Nickel (Tom), of Clark, PA, and Linda Lane (Garry), of Hermitage; six step-children, Eunice Blaze, Kenny Mills (Chery), Norma Wojeckowski, Mary Stainbrook, Betty Filer, and Myron Mills (Sandy); five grandchildren, Pam Rodocoy (Ed), Stacy Randell (fiancé Dale Chronister), Becky Blaze (Joe), Erick Lane (Chrissy), Christy Piccirilli (John); many step-grandchildren; and five greatgrandchildren, Billy, Jesse and Emily Blaze, Reese Piccirilli and Raena Chronister.

In addition to her parents, Florence was preceded in death by her first husband, Edward Kocholek, whom she married on May 10, 1947; her second husband, Archie Mills, whom she married in October of 1990; six brothers, Edward (Mary), Henry (Helen), Stanley (Irma), Chester (Sophie), Bill (Phyllis), Leo (Virginia) and Jerry Maykowski (Charleen); and five sisters, Edna Staunch (Augie), Jennie Getway (Paul), Helen Kocholek (Louie), Sophie Dresel (Walter), and Dolores Patrizi (James).

Florence’s family would like to thank the staff at Avalon Springs for the exceptional care given to their mother during her stay at the home.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Calling hours will be 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Saturday (04/25/2026) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 East State St., Sharon. 

Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday (04/25/2026) in the Church of Notre Dame, 2325 Highland Rd., Hermitage, PA 16148, with Rev. John Miller, pastor as celebrant.

Interment: St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Hermitage.