Florence Henrietta Mercer

Florence a resident of Jeffersonville, NY, Sarasota, Fla., and Williams Bay, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on October 6, 2025.

Florence’s life began March 6, 1923 in her family’s three-story brownstone on Lexington Avenue in Manhattan. Her father, Winfield Clinton Terry, practiced dentistry in the house.

At the same time, her mother, Henrietta (Hunegger) Terry cared for their various pets along with the six children: Florence, who shared a room with her younger sister Nancy; two mischievous boys; and older sister and brother who helped looking after them all.

Florence spent summers at her paternal grandfather’s farm in the Catskill Mountains. She explored the land with her mother and siblings while her dad joined them on weekends. Each moment spent there became a cherished memory woven into her childhood fabric until the farm was sold after her grandfather passed away.

When their family moved to Long Island, Florence attended Hempstead High School, where she volunteered in the school office. It was during this time that she discovered her passion for mathematics. Working with numbers was easy and enjoyable, and her exceptional math grades reflected her talent.

When Florence celebrated her 18th birthday, the world was on the brink of a tumultuous change with the attack on Pearl Harbor. Amidst the uncertainties of day, Florence along with her brothers and sisters, embraced a new chapter of life at Adelphi College in Garden City, L.I.

Florence pursued her studies with determination; ultimately earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. Florence began her teaching career in public high school as a math teacher in Jeffersonville, N.Y. Where she enjoyed teaching Algebra and Geometry. Florence met her husband Hollis Mercer at the soda fountain in Ted’s Restaurant, in Jeffersonville.

After marrying Hollis, they settled on Long Island. Hollis commuted daily to New York City for his job at Royal Globe Insurance. At this time Florence pursued further education at Columbia University and attained a Master’s Degree in Mathematics, and became the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum for the Roslyn School District.

Although Hollis and Florence never had children, Florence found joy in working with them. She loved helping students mature and grow. Florence often tutored many students in math.

After retiring Florence and Hollis moved up to Jeffersonville, and Florence started a Reading Center in Jeffersonville. It was a residential house located behind Earl Kohler’s garage. Florence was the Volunteer Director, which later became the public library in Jeffersonville.

After Hollis’s passing Florence spent the seasons between Jeffersonville and Florida. Florence loved flowers and became a judge in floral arrangements and table settings.

Two years ago, Florence moved into Sherwood Lodge Assisted Living Center with here two cats and flowering orchids. “I want to be remembered,” Florence said, gazing fondly at her two sleeping cats, and ready for a nap herself.

Survivors include her sister Nancy T. MacIntyre, East Northport, NY. Nephews – Glenn (Lisa) Terry, Nelson Terry, W. C. (Pat) Terry III, Lee (Sylvia) Terry, Don (Kathy) MacIntyre. Nieces – Terry (Ian) West and Nancy (Robert) Unger, and a close friend Ruth Duncan.

Graveside service will be Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 11 AM in Greenhill Cemetery, Youngsville, NY. Pastor Virginia Bossley will officiate.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Harris Funeral Home West. St. at Buckley, Liberty, NY 12754 845-292-0001 or 845-439-5200 or www.Harris-FH.com