Florence M. Andrake, 95, of Endicott, died peacefully in her home on Tuesday, July 25, 2023. She is predeceased by her parents, Ethel Ross Evans and Ira Ross, sister Mary Jane Freethy, and brother, Ira Sterling Ross. Born in Scranton, Pa., Florence graduated from Scranton Central High School, class of 1945 as a member of the National Honor Society. Prior to graduation she began working as a splitter and mending seamstress at the Scranton Lace Mill and continued until 1949 when she married her soul mate of 74 years, William Andrake. She left the mill to dedicate her life to raising a family, as company policy prohibited married women from working there. Florence and William moved to Endicott after the birth of their first child, Nancy. Then, she devoted herself to the roles of wife and mother to their six children. Florence’s life was truly one of selflessness, as she was always there for her kids, supporting their many sporting, scouting, scholastic, and musical events. Florence transferred her sewing skills into designing Halloween costumes and the decorating of her home. She was a master chef in charge of the kitchen and always knew the right meal to make for any occasion. Florence made time to volunteer with the Girl Scout as a troop leader and in a representative role on the Tioga County Girl Scout Council. She was also an active member of both the UE Band Boosters and the PTA. Florence wore the hat of business manager, organizing the books and running financial operations for Andrake Construction. She enjoyed family vacations and traveling with her husband to visit magnificent sites across the United States. But mostly, she loved trips that afforded her the opportunity to visit her children and grandchildren. In later years, Florence found great joy taking her children to lunch, shopping in small boutiques, and enjoying weekly dinners and game nights with friends. Florence also served as a member and contributor to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
She is survived by her husband William, children: Nance Andrake Hinchliffe, husband David, William Andrake, wife Debra, John Sterling Andrake, wife Linda, Greg Andrake, wife Cindy, Tamra Andrake Schiappa, husband Christopher, and T.R. Andrake, wife Sherry and eleven grandchildren, Maggie Hinchliffe Bonesteel, husband Michael, Bryan Hinchliffe, Jennifer Andrake, Sean Andrake, Gregory Andrake, Derek Andrake, Kyle Andrake, Carly Andrake, Ellie Schiappa, Wilson Andrake, and Riley Andrake, and two beautiful great grandchildren, Elvy, and Avari Bonesteel.
Funeral Services will be held Monday 10 am at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 200 Jefferson Avenue, Endicott. Burial will be in Riverhurst Cemetery, Endicott. The family will receive friends at the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott, Sunday afternoon from 2-4 pm.
Donations may be made in Florence’s memory to the Campville Fire Department (6153 State Route 17C, Endicott, NY 13760) or St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (200 Jefferson Avenue, Endicott, NY 13760).