Obituary of Florence L. Williamson

Florence Loveless Williamson, 86, of Baldwinsville, went to be with her beloved Savior and Lord the evening of December 5, 2005 after a short illness. Born in Baldwinsville in 1919 to Lillian and Edward Loveless, Florence graduated in 1936 from Baldwinsville Academy and received her teaching degree from Syracuse Normal School in 1939. She taught for two years in one-room school houses in the area. Later Florence was employed by International Milling Co. and New York State Ordinance Plan, where she met her husband, C. Fred Williamson, who she married in 1947. After losing her husband in 1973, she went to work for the American Baptist Churches of NYS and retired in the ‘80s’. Florence, a devoted wife and mother, dedicated much of her life to helping others. In the 50’s and 60’s the Williamsons opened their home to student teachers who were assigned to the public schools in Baldwinsville, and spent many summers hosting children from New York City through the Camp Friendly Program. Florence was well known for her volunteer work among local and international non-profit organizations including 4-H, F.I.S.H., Syracuse Rescue Mission, Community General Hospital and CAM International of Dallas, TX. Recently, Mrs. Williamson received a special commendation for 37 years of service by Meals-on-Wheels of New York State. Florence was actively involved in local church ministry. While a life-time member of First Baptist Church, Baldwinsville she also attended the Baptist churches in Jordan and North Syracuse for a time. Mrs. Williamson was a lifelong member of the Dorothea Lynde Dix chapter of the Daughter of Union Veterans. Predeceased by her husband and two sons, Paul and Bruce, Florence is survived by her brother, Harley Loveless, of Baldwinsville, three daughters, Susan (Dan) Wicher of Dallas, Texas, Nadine Cole of Memphis, and Maribeth (Frank) Druse, of Springfield Center, two step-daughters, Pat (Tony)DeStevens of Harbor City, California, and Marilyn Munger of Ocala, Florida, four grandchildren, Peter Wicher, Alison (John) Campanello, Adam Cole, and Frankie Druse, and one great-grandchild, Haley Rae Campanello. She is also survived by countless other relatives and special friends. Calling hours will be 2-4 and 7-9pm Friday, December 9, 2005 at Falardeau Funeral Home, Baldwinsville. Burial will be at Riverview Cemetery, Baldwinsville. The memorial service will be at 11:00am Saturday, December 10, 2005 at the First Baptist Church, Baldwinsville. Memorial gifts in honor of Florence may be made to the Syracuse Rescue Mission, 120 Gifford Street, Syracuse, NY 13202, or to CAM International, 8625 La Prada Drive, Dallas, Texas, 75228.