Kathleen G. "Kay" Florence

Kathleen G. "Kay" Florence
 
Of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at Mercy Hospital of Buffalo. She was born in Niagara Falls, NY, on June 10, 1933, a daughter of the late Emmett P. and Beatrice T. [Fennell] Greene.
 
Kay graduated from both St. Mary's High School, Niagara University where she received BA in Sociology (1956) and later her Master’s in Education (1971). She began her career as a social worker working for both Catholic Charities & Niagara County from 1956-1963. From 1970-1974 she taught elementary education at St. Teresa of the Infant Jesus School. After a year of  substitute teaching she joined the Niagara Falls Board of Education and was employed there until her retirement in 2002. Her focus has always been her students. In her capacity as an Adult Education Specialist she prepared adults to take the GED, worked with ESOL students in preparation for Citizenship, and developed the the GRASP Program (Giving Regional Adults a Study Program.) This program provided packet based education materials to be completed at home and returned. The Distance Learning Programs she developed included: Learn to Read & Another Page. It was not unusual to be out with Kay where she was recognized by former students who shared the impact she had on their life. She would often receive calls or visits from those she taught who just wanted to see how she was doing. Kay was actively involved with St. Raphael Parish (St. Teresa’s) over the years in many roles including the bereavement committee.
 
She was a proud member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, where she served as Past President and Grand Marshall of the St. Patrick’s Day parade in 2004. Kay was a Girls Scout Leader, Den Mother and enjoyed bowling, playing cards, ping pong, traveling as well as being an avid Bills fan. Kay was the wife of the late Henry A. Florence, who passed away in 1985.

She is survived by her children William E. Florence, Mary Bea (Chris) Cornelissen, Ann F. Blassic and Claire T. (William) McNally, eight grandchildren Brenna, Alyssa, Tara, John Henry, Jeffrey, Shannon, Marissa, Katlyn and Brendan, and six great grandchildren, siblings Robert E. (Charlotte) Greene, John F. (Marilyn) Greene , Michael D. (Bruce Fitting) Greene,    Mary Agnes (Robert) Justiana and Cece (late Edward) Evert, also many nieces and nephews.
Kay was the sister of the late Susanne ( late Joseph) LeGasse.
 
Her family will be present on Thursday from 2-6 PM  at RHONEY FUNERAL HOME, 901 Cayuga Street LEWISTON, NY. Funeral services at RHONEY will be held on Friday at 9:15 AM, followed by her Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at St. Raphael Parish, 3840 Macklem Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY,  with Rev. Ivan Skenderovic officiating.

Memorials may be made in her name to the Summit Outreach Center.

Interment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY.

Visit www.rhoneyfuneralhome.com, for guest register

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