01/23/2026
FLOREEN “FLO” PRISCILLA CROSS, 89, of Menominee, Michigan, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on the morning of Thursday, January 22nd, 2026, at Aurora Medical Center Bay Area.
She was born on July 1, 1936, to the late Leslie and Priscilla (Russell) Fraser in East Tawas, Michigan. Flo graduated from East Tawas High School and married the late Thomas Cross on August 10, 1957, in East Tawas, Michigan. Flo went to college and graduated with a degree in nursing.
Flo worked as a nurse until the birth of her children, then took a break to do what she truly loved — raise her three children. Flo was such an active mother; she was always one of her children’s classroom mothers, planning parties, chaperoning every field trip and MYF church group trips, and always giving the best themed birthday parties.
Birthdays were very special to her throughout her life. Over the years, everyone expected the first call of the morning to be from Mom (Grandma, MiMi), singing Happy Birthday. It always started the day with a smile.
As her children grew up, Flo returned to work at the Menominee Health Department, where she found another passion for helping others. She worked there for 20 years and loved serving the community in Family Planning, the WIC program, and through administering vaccinations. Her family was always amazed at how many young lives she touched throughout her career. Even up until her very last day, someone was always sharing with her children a fun story about their experience with Flo at the Health Department.
Flo had two organizations that were near and dear to her heart, both reflecting her life’s motto of helping others. She was an active member for over 50 years of the sisterhood of P.E.O., Chapter
BK, a philanthropic educational organization. She served on educational scholarship committees, gave presentations, and served as an officer for many terms.
Flo also belonged to the Alano Club for 30 years. This is where her heart and passion for caring for others truly shone. She spent countless hours helping those struggling with alcoholism and addiction find a better way of life — never asking for anything in return. It didn’t matter if you were young or old, a family member, friend, or stranger — she was always there to help. She served many years as an officer and spent endless hours pulling pork for the club’s famous “Sauerkraut and Pork” dish at the annual Waterfront Booth.
Flo had a lifelong passion for playing bridge with her friends. She was very competitive and absolutely thrilled when she won the pot — even if it was just a few coins!
Her grandchildren were the love of her life. She was such an active grandmother, “MiMi,” and left an everlasting impression on each and every one of them about how lucky they were to have had her in their lives. As her eyesight began to fail, one of her proudest accomplishments was completing a cross-stitched Christmas stocking for each grandchild. These beautifully handmade stockings hung in her home every year, showcasing the love she had for each child.
She also enjoyed crocheting and made dishcloths for everyone at Christmas — a tradition she was delighted to see passed on to at least one grandchild. Most importantly, Flo loved taking care of her family and attending all of their events and special moments throughout their lives.
Family was everything to her. Anyone who knew Flo knew of her love for yellow smiley faces and how she put a smiley face on everything. Her everlasting wish to all her family and friends
would be to “Just Smile” — because everyone loves a smiley face.
Flo is survived by two daughters: Deborah Thoune and Linda (Doug) Shaver; one son: James (Lisa) Cross. “special daughter” Shelly (Randy) VanVooren; 10 grandchildren: Eric (Kathy), Jordan, Ryan (Jaci), Ashley (Ryan), Justin (Katie), Nathan, Ben (Darcy), Rachel (fiancee, Dane), Camille, and Caroline; 8 great-grandchildren: Chase, Candace, Sawyer, Bronne, Olivia, Bo, Tillie, and Rory; one niece: Cathy (Kip) Wagner; two nephews: Steve Senglaub and John (Debi) Cross; and many more family and friends. Flo was preceded in death by her husband Thomas; her parents and one sister: Dorothy (Robert) Senglaub.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff and residents of the Marinette Renaissance Facility, where Flo made her home for the past three years. Your care, kindness, and friendship meant so much to her—she truly enjoyed your company and deeply appreciated the support and compassion you provided.
A special thank you is also extended to all of Flo’s healthcare workers throughout the years for your dedication and commitment to her well-being. The family would also like to express sincere appreciation to Dr. Khayat, Dr. Gamez, Dr. Shalini, Dr. Marszalek, and the entire staff at Aurora Medical Center Bay Area. We are profoundly grateful for the extraordinary care and compassion shown to Flo in her final days by every member of the hospital team. Your kindness and dedication brought great comfort and peace, for which we are forever thankful.
In keeping with Flo’s wishes, private services will be held. Cadieu Funeral Home is assisting the Cross family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in Flo’s name for the Alano Club. Any expressions of sympathy and kindness may be directed to Linda Shaver, 4207 Michigan Shores Drive, Menominee MI 49858.