Florence May Anderson

Florence May Anderson, a lifelong resident of Pomona, NY, formerly of Monsey and Suffern, New York, passed away on December 26, 2023, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, NY, at 89.

Florence worked as a secretary at Phelps Dodge, a copper mining company in Montebello, NY, for several years. She later became a homemaker and worked as a housekeeper for many families and neighbors.

Born and raised in Suffern, NY, she moved to Monsey, NY, and then to Pomona, NY, where she lived for 18 years. Florence spent her entire life in Rockland County.

Florence was the daughter of the late Frank and Alice Johnson and was born at home. She was a founding member and trustee of The Historical Society of Palisades International Park. Florence enjoyed researching, volunteering, attending Johnsontown family reunions, and spending time at St. John's in the Wilderness Church. She had many beautiful friendships and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Florence was born in Suffern, NY, 1934 a few months early, weighing only 3 lbs. Her mother wrapped her in a blanket, put her in a basket, and placed it in a sunny window to keep her warm. She grew up on her family's farm, where she tended to the animals and flower and vegetable gardens, and enjoyed fishing in the summer and ice skating in the winter. Florence graduated from Suffern High School and worked for several years as a secretary. She enjoyed bowling with her girlfriends and traveling together. She met Charles Anderson on a trip to Virginia and later married him, and together they had two daughters, Susanne and Charlene.

Charles passed away in 2003 after 36 years of marriage. Florence had her two grandsons, JT and Nicholas, to keep her busy and later had a third grandson, Hunter. She had an extraordinary and precious bond with each of them and was the best grandmother and playmate they ever had. During her retirement years, she researched her family history and genealogy and discovered family ties to the hamlets of Harriman State Park, including Johnsontown. Her passion for this hobby made her a founding member and trustee of the Historical Society of Palisades Interstate Park.

Florence is survived by her daughter, Charlene Reyes, and the late Susanne Anderson Nolan (deceased), formerly of Monroe, and her three grandsons, JT Nolan, Nicholas Nolan, and Hunter Reyes.

She was excited to meet her first great-grandchild, expected in May 2024. Several nieces and nephews, cousins, and an Aunt also survive Florence. Her passing breaks all of their hearts.

Florence was pre-deceased by her parents, her husband Charles, her daughter Susanne Anderson Nolan, her brother George Johnson, and her sister-in-law Anna Johnson.

A wake will be held on Wednesday, January 3, 2023, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Flynn Funeral & Cremation Memorial Centers, Inc., 139 Stage Road, Monroe, NY. Additional calling hours will be held on Thursday, January 4, 2024, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the funeral home, followed by a Life Celebration at 11:00 am. 

Burial will follow at Airmont Cemetery in Airmont, NY.

Brendan and Thomas Flynn and Flynn Funeral & Cremation Memorial Center staff will provide the funeral care.