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Florence Mathis Obituary
On July 17, 2008, although our mother, Florence C. Mathis took her last breath, we rejoice that she entered the heavenly arms of our father, Alfred E. Mathis, who joined our Lord in 1996.
Florence began her life in Dumont, NJ on June 27, 1928, the daughter of John and Gladys Meister. She married her one and only love, Alfred, on March 2, 1947, and began her journey to Margaretville to their farm on Hubbell Hill and raised their loving children.
Along the way, Florence and Al opened their hearts and home to several foster and fresh air children, and assisted Florence's cousin, Ruth Callahan, raise her children, Judy (Ryan) and Tom, Daniel, and Jackie Callahan.
As her family grew, she dedicated her life to the community as a Girl Scout leader for over 50 years, active participant in the Margaretville Hospital and American Legion Auxiliary, and member of the Margaretville Methodist Church. She also looked forward to her monthly gatherings of the Foxy Ladies and the pleasure of visiting her neighbor, Barbara Kapitko, and friends.
Her love for children gave her the opportunity to run her own preschool for many years, and then to volunteer at M.C.S. for several years, working with primarily Wayne Garelick and Bonnie Hinkley in the Kindergarten Class.
Survivors include her loving children: Andrea (Alton) Byrd, Gregg (Roxanne) Mathis, Caroljean Finch and partner, Charles DiGiacomo. Her greatest joy were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Trevor (Mary) Hammond and children, Trevor and Nicole of Walden, NY; Kelly Byrd of Astoria; Sarah and Carrie Mathis of Schenevus, NY; Steven Sines and fiancee; Alex, Bruce Sines and Jodi Mathis of Margaretville; Shawn (Jennifer) Finch and children, Jeremiah and Jada of Margaretville; Santana Finch of Boynton Beach, FL; three brothers: John (Dottie) Meister, George (Ramona) Meister and Edward (Irene) Meister. She also became "Nana" to all of their close friends in particular, Amber Butler of Elmira, NY and Sam Dunnings of Margaretville. She was always there for her numerous nieces and nephews, the closest in proximity: Sheila (George) Brown and Sheila's children: Vincent, Miguel, Marie, Rayme and Cassie. She was predeceased by a niece, Shawn Meister. Shawn's daughter, Katie survives.
A celebration of her life was held at the home of Caroljean and Charlie in Andes, NY, on Sunday, July 20, 2008. Stories and jokes were shared with the family on memories of Florence.
Memorial contributions in Florence's name may be made to the Margaretville Girl Scouts, the American Legion Post #216, of the Margaretville Fire Dept., of which the volunteers worked tirelessly to combat the blast that consumed both her home and life.
Arrangements by Hynes Funeral Home, Margaretville, NY; 845-586-3475.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Florence Mathis
Robert Dieterle
July 15, 2025
You and uncle Al are thought of often.
Carol Dieterle
August 13, 2008
Such a special woman, the memories of you and Uncle Al will be forever in our hearts...glad my kids got to meet you...going to miss those birthday cards with the balloons...I love you
Robert Dieterle
August 11, 2008
Aunt Flo the entire Dieterle family will never forget all the great times we had "up the country" as we called it. It was really great to see how well our parents got along. Neal and Al always cutting up laughing and the jokes. Vera and Aunt Flo alway cooking up something or laying around the the pool and the kids got along real good also. There are so many great things we can say about Aunt flo but we all know what they are and we also know there is a special place in heaven made just for her. I know the four amigoes are laughing it up and planing their next adventure. One day we will all be together again at that great family reunion. God bless you Auntie Flo you will forever be in our hearts. We will never forget you or the special times on Hubbell Hill. :( love all the Dieterle families.
Flo and Al
July 23, 2008
Kimberlie Morse-Ackerley
July 22, 2008
I am truly sorry for your loss. My thoughts and wishes are with you to be able to move on with the wonderful memories that your family has.
Rich Jarrette & Christie O'Neil
July 21, 2008
Our thoughts are with your family.
cassie madera
July 21, 2008
my dearest aunt flo
while you take your journey to the other side, know that my heart and strength is with you
all my love
cassie and meadow<3
sheila meister-madera-brown
July 21, 2008
Florense and Al were my aunt and uncle. The lost will never go away. My grandchildren know and love her at a very young age,but they will never know what they are missing. To say a million words about them would never be enough. The mold of perfection was broke when they were born. With all my love forever there neice Sheila Brown
I LOVE YOU BOTH AND WILL MISS YOU. Just to speak again with one more I love You. Say it often you will never know when this day comes
sheila meister-madera-brown
July 21, 2008
Florense and Al were my aunt and uncle. The lost will never go away. My grandchildren know and love her at a very young age,but they will never know what they are missing. To say a million words about them would never be enough. The mold of perfection was broke when they were born. With all my love forever there neice Sheila Brown
I LOVE YOU BOTH AND WILL MISS YOU. Just to speak again
Marion Smith
July 21, 2008
Dear Mathis Family,
I remember Florence well from back in the early 1960's when my husband, Erle Smith, was Supt. at MCS. Florence was one of my many young women friends & I can picture her now in her Girl Scout uniform. She gave to the community & others her whole life. I'm so sorry for the tragic event that took her. Our deepest sympathy to you.
Marion & Erle Smith
Joanne Sprague
July 21, 2008
Mrs. Mathis family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Christy and Daniel Goodell
July 21, 2008
Florence was a wonderful woman and will be greatly missed. I have known her for a long time, through Girl Scouts and business. She was also my son Danny's aid in kindergarden(wayne garelick) in 1999. God Bless and best wishes.
Patty
July 21, 2008
My prayers are with the family at this time.
My Aunt Flo (and Godmother) was a wonderful person who touched so many lives with her happy heart and deep affection.
Rejoice in her life, having known her and her faithful devotion to our Lord and Savior.
Hugs to all of my Cousins, Uncles, Aunts and their families.
Connie Zuefle Canfield
July 21, 2008
My daughter Mariah had "Miffus Maffis" ,as she called her, for nursery school and always talked of her with such joy! She is 35 now and cried when I told her about her tragic passing. Our hearts are with you and yours.
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