Florence M. Patterson

Florence M. Patterson of the Tuscarora Nation, passed away on  Thursday, April 22nd, at her home under the care of her family and Niagara Hospice.  A member of the White Bear Clan, Florence was born on the Tuscarora Nation,  on February 3, 1933, the daughter of the late Simpsom and Amy [Printup] Rickard.

On June 20, 1959, she married Chief Kenneth Patterson, who predeceased her on December 2, 2020.

Florence received her nursing degree from the University of Buffalo in 1955 and immediately began working as a public health nurse for Niagara County until 1962, until she left her position to start a family.  She returned to work in March of 1965 and became the Supervising Public Health Nurse in 1966, a position she held until her retirement in May of 1988.

Florence was a member of the Tuscarora Baptist Church, where she served as the church clerk and a leader in the church's AWANA youth program for many years.   She was also a member of the Tuscarora Temperance  and order of the Eastern Star.

She enjoyed doing American Indian Beadwork, silver smithing, sewing, as well as other handcrafts.

Florence was very adept in the kitchen whether it was cooking, baking, especially her famous pies, canning or preserving.  She also enjoyed bowling, participating in league bowling for many years, traveling with her entire family or later in life, with just herself and husband.   Her biggest enjoyment was spending time with her children, especially her grandchildren.

Florence is survived by three daughters Joanie (Billy) Smith, Cathy Curtis and Sharon (Dave) Foy, grandchildren Cleyton, Alana, Meagan (Moe Powless) and Nolan Smith, Isaac Patterson, Iris Curtis, Tiffany, Emily, Noah (Gayla Kessinger-Adams) and Jacob (Kaitlyn Dunbar) Henry, great grandchildren Harley, Novalee and Atticus Printup, Liam and Penelope Reading and Rowan Patterson and Cali Powless, also many nieces and nephews.

Her family will be present on Sunday from 3-7 PM at the RHONEY FUNERAL HOME, 5893 Hoover Road, SANBORN, NY.

Funeral services will be held on Monday at 11:00 AM at the Tuscarora Baptist Church, 2208 Mt. Hope Road, Sanborn, NY, with the Rev. Walter A. Printup officiating. 

Memorials may be made in her name to the Tuscarora Baptist Church AWANA Program or Niagara Hospice.

Interment in Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Visit www.rhoneyfuneralhome.com, for guest register.

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