Kristina Ann Lackman Flora

April 8, 1952 - Sept. 4, 2011 SOUTH BEND - Our much beloved wife, mother, daughter, aunt and sister died on Sunday evening, September 4th, in her home with loved ones at her side. She was a model of grace, dignity and fearless bravery as she valiantly fought a battle against cancer for nearly five years.

Kris was born on April 8, 1952, in Mishawaka, Indiana, to John and Audrey Lackman, who survive. She was a graduate of John Adams High School and Indiana University. She received her MLS from Simmons College in Boston, MA, in 1978.

On May 17, 1974, at her parents' home in South Bend, she married Anthony Flora, who survives along with their sons, Matthew and Mark, both of Bloomington, Indiana. Kris is also survived by her brothers, Michael (Judy) Lackman of South Bend and Jeffrey Lackman of Spotsylvania, VA; and her sister, Jennifer (Drew) Lackman-Chuppe of South Bend. Kris was a caring aunt to nieces and nephews, Heather (Chris) Lorenz of South Bend, Michael (Tracey) Lackman of Lansing, MI, Daniel (Heidi) Lackman of Macy, IN, Kevin Lackman of South Bend, Lara and Amelia Chuppe of South Bend; and to great-nieces and nephews, Maddie Lorenz, Alexis and Ashley Lackman, and Katie and Ryan Lackman.

Kris enjoyed contributing to the advancement of medical knowledge in her role as medical librarian at the South Bend Medical Foundation where she worked for seven years, and was awarded a grant from the National Library of Medicine for modernizing local medical libraries. Kris was proud to continue to work until three weeks before her death, and the family wishes to express their thanks to the South Bend Medical Foundation for their support of Kris during her illness.

Kris was a proud member of professional organizations Michigan Health Science Libraries Association and Indiana Health Science Library Association. Kris loved spending time in nature and was an avid organic gardener. She was also devoted to animal rights causes, and during her life was a devoted "pet mom" to Fritz, Otto, Heidi and Missy, who preceded her in death, and to her current much-loved cat, Salem. Kris was grateful for the medical care she received from Dr. Bilal Ansari and the medical advice of Dr. Steve Gregoritch. In spite of a devastating medical diagnosis, Kris was an inspiration to her family throughout her illness as she continued to work, travel and make much treasured memories with her family. To honor Kris' life, her family is underwriting improvements to the butterfly garden at Fernwood Nature Center, where a plaque in her memory will read: A symbol of hope A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam And for a brief moment its glory and beauty belong to our world But then it flies again And though we wish it could have stayed... We feel lucky to have seen it

 Memorial contributions may be made to Susan G. Komen For the Cure, the Humane Society of the United States and the Natural Resources Defense Council. A private memorial service for friends and family will be held to celebrate the life of our much-loved Kris. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.McGannHay.com.

Published in South Bend Tribune from Sep. 7 to Sep. 8, 2011.

09/25/2020