Obituary of Florence Henderson

Florence Henderson July 20, 1915 – December 23, 2017 Florence Henderson     Greenville, NY Florence Henderson, a 25 year resident of Greenville, NY, passed away on Friday, December 23, 2017 at Sapphire at Goshen. She was 102. Florence’s full and interesting life began in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1915. Raised by Michael and Mary Brennan, she grew up in Bayonne, New Jersey. She received her teaching degree from Villanova University. While serving God and leading a religious life, Florence spent much of her time sharing the gift of learning with others. After traveling and teaching throughout the country, Florence returned to Bayonne and married her beloved husband Willard. During the many years they lived on Staten Island, she enjoyed teaching and devoting time to her family, while never missing a good time with her best friend Pauline Okras. With “playing school” as a favorite activity to do with her grandchildren, Florence loved watching them grow and learn, providing them with years of love and dedication. After moving to Greenville in January, 1993, Florence became very active in the Greenville Senior Leisure Club, serving as secretary for several years. The time spent there with friends was thoroughly enjoyed and she especially looked forward to card- playing with the “lunch ladies” on Wednesday afternoons. Besides family and friends, Florence was blessed with a few other special people in her life. Kim Rodriguez, Florence’s “angel”, played a large part, always helping her and being ready for a game of Scrabble or Skip-Bo. Pat McLaughlin, with his warm smile and cheery disposition, never failed to administer Florence’s communion each week. In addition, the staff at Sapphire (Elant) at Goshen, Paff 3 unit, provided Florence with compassionate care during the past few years. Along with her devoted daughter and son-in-law Florence and David Van Vorst, Florence is survived by her cherished grandchildren, Kathleen Van Vorst, Matthew Van Vorst, Eileen Van Vorst, and Maureen Howes; her husband Brian and her precious great-grandson, David Howes; her dear sister, Anne Gaddis; and numerous loving nieces and nephews. Florence was predeceased by her loving husband, Willard, as well as her siblings, Josephine MacWilliams, Raymond Malley, Sister Mary Carroll, OP (Winifred), Richard Brennan, John Brennan, Mary Foley, Eileen Ruane, Elizabeth Gallagher, and Catherine Lincoln. A memorial mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at 12:30pm at the Holy Cross R.C. Church, 626 County Rd 22, Middletown, NY 10940 with Father Michael Cedro officiating. Funeral arrangements are honorably entrusted to Zygmunt-Murtie Funeral and Cremation Service- Proudly serving Warwick and the surrounding communities. For directions or to leave a condolence please call 845-977-6127 or visit www.zmmemorials.com.