Florence "Babe" Andreas

Florence “Babe” Paladino Andreas, 93, passed peacefully into eternal life on February 9, 2026. She was born March 5, 1932, at the family home in Center Ridge, Arkansas. The youngest of 17 children in the close-knit Catholic Point community, she attended Catholic Point School and St. Scholastica Monastery of the Benedictine Sisters in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Left to cherish her memory are her two sons, Gary T. Andreas of Houston and Kenneth E. Andreas and his wife Gail of Carrollton, with many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Mrs. Andreas was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 62 years, Edward P. “Eddie” Andreas; her parents, Tony (Antonio Barbarto) and Minnie (Ermenia) Rossi Paladino; her brothers Frank, Father Christopher, Paul, Johnny, Andrew, Henry, Joe, and Larry Paladino; her sisters Mary Rossi, Frances DeSalvo, Sr. Lucille Paladino, Amelia Whitten, and Henrietta Rowland; and many other cherished family members. At home in Arkansas, Florence was affectionately known as Babe, the beautiful and graceful youngest daughter of the large Italian Paladino family in Catholic Point. Beauty was a recurring theme throughout her life. At age 20, she was crowned Arkansas State Cotton Queen, a prestigious and fitting honor. Her innate grace and warmth made every space she entered more welcoming. Her nieces and great-nieces often said they wanted to grow up to be just like Aunt Babe. The heart of the Paladino home revolved around the kitchen and dining room, sparking Babe’s lifelong passion for cooking and entertaining. She carried this joy into adulthood, in Houston and eventually Spring, Texas where she and Eddie made their home and raised their family. She was well versed in hosting memorable holiday parties and weekly bridge games with longtime friends well into her eighties. Her signature dishes, including Stuffed Shells, Beef Burgundy, and Rum Cake, delighted generations. Her love of flowers likely began with the daffodils that blanketed her childhood home and still bloom there today. Her own yard was always vibrant, and fresh floral arrangements graced her home year-round. In addition to her love of cooking, gardening and entertaining, Babe could be found cheering for the Houston Astros- she was a devoted baseball fan. Eddie, a career pilot, and Babe traveled extensively throughout their lives, enjoying trips to Italy, Cozumel and Hawaii, as well as many other destinations. They often traveled back to Arkansas for extended stays to enjoy celebrations and reunions with siblings and their families. She worked professionally for 22 years as secretary to the principal at Hildebrandt Intermediate School in Spring, Texas, where they affectionately called her Flo, known for her sense of style and cherished for her wisdom, guidance, and friendship, among teachers and students alike. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Mimi’s Angels in Spring, Texas, for the compassionate care they provided during her final years. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 343 Catholic Point Rd., Center Ridge, AR 72027. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at her home parish, St. Joseph Catholic Church in Catholic Point, Center Ridge, Arkansas, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., followed by the Rosary at 9:30 a.m. and Mass at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery.

Florence "Babe" Andreas

March 5, 1932 - February 9, 2026