Florence Curtis Miles

1954 - 2025

Miles, Florence Curtis

Jul 8, 1954 - Mar 14, 2025

Age 70, of Williamsville, NY. Daughter of the late Prof. Philip G. Miles, Sr. and Eleanor A. Miles; sister of the late Philip G. Miles, Jr. and Allen R. Miles; mother of Bud Miles (Kyoko); grandmother of Fiona Nakada Miles; aunt of Courtney Irene Miles; great-aunt of Marshall, Ivy, and Trinity; cousin of Chip Johnson (Sarah) and Belinda Miles Chen; as well as many other close cousins. Curtis attended Buffalo Seminary, Yale University, University at Buffalo-SUNY, achieving a doctorate in Japanese History. She taught at Harvard University through her postdoctoral appointment at the Reischauer Institute, and at Pennsylvania State University, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Minnesota State University at Akita Japan, and Hobart and William Smith Colleges. In addition, Curtis returned to teach at her alma mater, Buffalo Seminary, where she gave classes on the history of the United States and Japan, and taught a new generation of young women the strength that comes from acts of everyday kindness and love. In retirement, she was a tutor for Kaplan K-12 Learning Services. Curtis was known for her care for her students and her love for her family, and as a warm, loving, and loyal friend. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Curtis' memory to the SPCA Serving Erie County, or your local SPCA. Please visit www.jerfh.com to share condolences.