Flora E. Dayton

Flora E. Dayton, 95, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2025, at the Crawford County Care Center.

Born on June 27, 1929, in Pittsburgh, she was the daughter of the late George and Elizabeth (Laslo) Frederick.

Flora pursued her academic career, earning her Master's Degree in Nutrition from the University of Pittsburgh. She dedicated the last ten years of her professional life to teaching as a Culinary Instructor at the Crawford County VoTech, where she was greatly loved by her students for her warm spirit and exemplary skills in the kitchen.

A devoted member of St. Agatha Church, Flora was known for her commitment to service. Over the years she volunteered at the Meadville Soup Kitchen, Women's Services, and the Visiting Nurses Association for over ten years.

Flora had a talent for cooking that brought joy not only to her family but also to everyone who had the pleasure of enjoying her Sunday dinners. She loved listening to books on tape, and her sense of adventure took her across the globe, including two memorable trips to Europe, Nova Scotia, and several cruises and bus tours. Staying active was important to her, but above all, Flora found true happiness in her family—her greatest love.

She is survived by her children: Rose Smeltzer of Turtle Creek, George Dayton (Billie) of Monroeville, Ed Dayton (Kathy) of McKees Rocks, Bernadette "Bonnie" Mailliard, Ben Dayton (Denise), and Paul Dayton (Lisa), all of Meadville. Flora was also a proud grandmother of eleven, a loving great-grandmother to numerous great-grandchildren, and a cherished great-great-grandmother. She is additionally survived by her brother Fred Frederick, and sisters Mary Thurman, Geraldine Vorndran, Elizabeth Morrissey and Georgene Wittig. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.

Flora was preceded in death by her son, Ricky Dayton; her great-granddaughter, Layla; siblings Virginia Marson, Deloris Kaczynski, Lorraine Frederick and Lois Frederick; and her former husband, Edward Dayton.

Family and friends are invited to call from 4-7 PM, on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 404 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE, where a Scripture Service will be held at 6:30 PM. Visitation will also be held from 10-11:30 AM on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at the funeral home.

A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 12 noon, on Wednesday, at St. Agatha Church, 353 Pine St., Meadville, with Fr. Kyle Seyler, Parochial Vicar, officiating.

Flora will be laid to rest in Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, McMurray.

Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com