Shirley S. Florence

CANISTEO - Shirley S. Florence, 98, of South Elm St. entered into rest Wednesday, April 9 at the Bath Health Care Facility, Bath.

Shirley was born June 26, 1909 in Park Rapids, Minnesota to Newell and Carrie (Wentworth) Spencer. On Aug. 5, 1929 in Canisteo, she married Claude D. Florence who predeceased her in June of 1984 after 55 years of marriage. She was also predeceased by three sisters, Cassie Payne, Mildred Spencer and Evelyn Conklin; three brothers, Clarence, Archie and Ward Spencer; and a special niece Norman Dineen.

A home maker, wife, loving mother and grandmother, she was a graduate of the former Canisteo Academy Class of 1928. She had at one time worked at the former Canisteo Silk Mill, Canisteo Dress Factory and Westinghouse in Bath. Shirley was a member of the Canisteo Order of Eastern Star. Wimodaughsian Free Library, as well as the Senior Philathea Class of the Canisteo Baptist Church and Thimble Club in Canisteo. Other outside interests included reading, particularly poetry and she loved to do crossword puzzles.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Beverly and richard Shorts of Canisteo; a son and daughterin law, John and Sally Florence of Canisteo; grandchildren, Beth (James) Knight, Shelly Lynn (Robert) Glover and Brian Florence (Fiance Jill Bradbury); great grandchildren, Melissa, Matthew and Joshua Knight and Spencer Florence; and several nieces and nephews.

The family received friends from 12-2 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, 29 East Main St. in Canisteo, where funeral and committal services were held immediately following calling hours at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery in Canisteo.