Obituary

Florence Koep of Barnegat, NJ passed away peacefully at  home on September 15, 2026 at the age of 84. Born on December 5, 1941 in Irvington NJ to Anita (Herron) Nufrio. She was a devoted wife to husband, Dean and a loving mother to her three children, Dean Jr, Erick and Belinda along with her four grandchildren.

Florence leaves behind a lasting legacy of a life filled with memories of her family. Everyone who knew her loved her kind, warm heart and her sweet disposition.

Florence attended high school in Irvington, NJ where she met the love of her life, her soulmate, Dean. This is where their love story began. They were married in 1962 at Sacred Heart in Newark, NJ for 64 wonderful years. They moved to Warren, NJ where they raised their children. 

She was a devoted homemaker and a woman of great faith, where she was a member of Our Lady of the Mount Church. Her husband and children were the center of her world. There was nothing more important to her than raising her children and watching them grow. She was there for every moment, cheering them on from the baseball field to gymnastics, celebrating their accomplishments and supporting them through every challenge. She was their biggest cheerleader and constant source of encouragement.

Florence and Dean endured the heartbreaking loss of their son Erick. Through this profound sorrow, they remained devoted to one another and their love and bond only grew stronger. They faced life‘s greatest challenges, drawing strength and comfort from their commitment to each other and their faith in God. 

Known as Grammy, she adored all four of her grandchildren and shared a special bond with each one. She was always so proud of them and celebrated everything they did big and small from, Christenings to first steps, to sporting events and college graduations. Her grandchildren were such a  joy in her life. She made time for them individually while also cherishing the moments they spent together as a family. She especially loved having them for sleep overs, creating memories and spoiling them at every opportunity.

When Florence and Dean retired, they decided to move down the shore where they embraced a slower, more peaceful way of life. They enjoyed taking long drives, discovering favorite new places to eat,  holding hands while watching the boats pass by and gathering with friends and savoring the easy-going, laid-back lifestyle, the shore and salt air had to offer. Those simple moments brought them great happiness and allowed them to enjoy their time together in a beautiful and meaningful way. They loved one another deeply, respected each other and cherished every moment they shared. They were best friends , soul mates and completed one another in every way. 

Florence is survived by her husband, Dean of 64 years. Children, Dean (Donna) Koep, Belinda (Walter) Zagibaylo.  Grandchildren, Christian Zagibaylo (Eidelwise), Michaela (Brian) Cole, Colton Zagibaylo (Laura) and Ryan Koep. Brothers, Anthony and Jeffrey Nufrio 

Predeceased by son, Erick Koep  

Florence was sweet, kind, nurturing and strong. She had a warmth about her that was felt by everyone who knew her. Her gentle nature and caring heart made people feel loved and welcomed and it seemed that everyone who knew her was touched by her kindness. Her family was her greatest joy and her greatest accomplishment. She gave her husband, children and grandchildren, a lifetime of love, support and memories they will carry with them forever. She will be deeply missed but her beautiful spirit will live on in all those fortunate enough to have known her.

A celebration of life will be held on September 27, 2026 from 

12 - 4:00 at the American Legion post 293

12 community Pl

Warren, NJ 07059

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to http://vitalityhospice/donate.com