Obituary of Sally Ann Benedict Florence

Sally Ann( Benedict) Florence died June 22, 2023, at age 83, after a valiant struggle with Alzheimer's at Elderwood in Hornell, where she was a resident for 15 months. Delivered by her Uncle Dr. Walter G. Benedict in Wellsville, she was born during a snowstorm on March 27, 1940 to Walter F. and Irene F. (Stocum) Benedict. She married her high school sweet heart, John W. Florence on Friday, January 13, 1961, at the Canisteo United Methodist Church and thus starting their lives in the Canisteo Valley. Sally was a life-long learner. She graduated from Canisteo Central School as a Salutatorian and Alfred University in nursing, joining Sigma Chi Nu. Sally started her career as a maternity nurse at Bethesda Hospital, later teaching at St. James School of Nursing and Alfred State College. Earning advanced certificates, she became a School Nurse Teacher for Canisteo Central and Alfred Almond Central Schools. In the 1970s, she introduced heat and head injury protocols to the sports programs, later adding The Health Careers Club, AIDS awareness, drug, alcohol, and teen pregnancy initiatives. During the flood of 1972, she spent the duration at the Canisteo High School shelter attending to medical needs. In 1973, she was a member of the School Belles Canisteo Centennial Chapter. In 1979, she earned her Masters from the University of Buffalo becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. She finished her career with Steuben B.O.C.E.S., evaluating children with disabilities. An active 75-year member of the Canisteo United Methodist Church, she was a member of the Stephens-Gray Class, served on several boards, sang in the choir, and played the organ, piano, handbells, and violin. She also taught Sunday School and proudly remodeled the nursery. Civic-minded, she was a co-president and board member at the Kanestio Historical Society. She was chair of the KHS board that oversaw reconstruction of the museum after the 2014 fire. She also instituted the textile preservation program. Sally was a member of the Historical Association of Early American Decorators, The Twin Tier Sports Car Club. Collecting antiques, including rolling pins, aprons, Victorian and children’s clothing, and coverlets, which was her passion. She also served the Canisteo Village, including the Planning Board and Beautification Committee. She was recognized for her contributions and excellence by the Kanestio Historical Society, The Canisteo Methodist Church, and Steuben County B.O.C.E.S. A practical artist, she enjoyed sewing, quilting, and painting murals in the family home as well as restoring many antiques. During the first year of COVID Lockdown, John was at Elderwood. Sally lived with her son’s family and wrote in her diary home much she enjoyed them. It was the longest Sally and John were apart in 62 years of marriage. Her diaries show the rapid onset of Alzheimer's, missing John, the fear of COVID and attending Canisteo Church services online. Canisteo was dear to her heart. “She enjoyed seeing former students. She loved her neighbors, KAHOCO, the United Methodist Church, the Twin Tiers Car Club and her MGB, the Kanestio Historical Society, the folks at Big Papas and Country Kitchen, Beavers Drug Store, Shurfine, Canisteo Veterinary Hospital, BK’s Boutique, Hubertus Service Station, Van’s Alignment, Wegmans and the Decorative Painters Guild. Many generously helped her maintain independence,” she wrote. Most of all, above all, she loved John. They spent their last years in Elderwood. Together they ate on the veranda, as she called the dining room. She spoke lovingly of the Wegmans view. Sally loved to shop. Sometimes they held hands watching TV in their wheelchairs. Alzheimer’s stole her memories. COVID took away her family visits, but Sally and John had each other. They lived their adage "OLOL - One Life One Love." She was predeceased by an infant sister Marie Benedict, her brother Donald William Benedict, her parents and in-laws, and her daughter-in-law, Caylee Nychis-Florence. In addition to her husband, Sally is survived by her daughter Shelly Florence-Glover and husband Bob Glover of Canisteo; her son Dr. Brian Florence and his wife, Dr. Jill Bradbury of Germantown, MD. Grandchildren Dr. Spencer Florence of Boston, MA, Ian and Veronica Bradbury of Germantown, MD; step-grandson Christopher Glover and wife Colette Stern-Ascher of Manhattan, and foster grandson Luke Glover of Canisteo. She leaves a sister-in-law, Autumn Marts Benedict, friends, nieces, nephews, and cousins. A genealogist, she enjoyed connecting with cousins with surnames such as: Emerson, Patterson, Parent, Bullock, Burns, Stocum, Benedicts, Jackson, Stewart, Cornell, Vorhees, Spencer, Meeks, and Vrooman. A special thank you to the caregivers at Elderwood, especially during the COVID lockdown. Thank you to all who sent cards and letters during Sally's illness. Services were private with burial in Hillside Cemetery. In memory, suggested contributions to one of the organizations they supported including the First United Methodist Church, The Kanestio Historical Society, Hillside Cemetery Association, Canisteo Rod and Gun Club, The Canisteo Fire Department, The Canisteo Police Club, or The Hornell Area Lions Club. Arrangements by H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home in Canisteo.