Florence S Britting Obituary (1930

PHELPS, N.Y. - Florence Swenk Britting, the dearly loved wife of the late John C. Britting, Sr. Esq. and mother of John C. "Chip," Sara, Ann and Mark passed away Friday morning May 12. She was born in 1930 in Port Jefferson N.Y., a member of one of Port Jefferson's oldest families. Florence was the daughter of the late Robert G. and K. Florence Freed Swenk. She was pre-deceased by her brothers Robert G. (Ruby) and John (Sandra) of Port Jefferson N.Y. and sister Sara (Everett) of Sherrill N.Y. Florence is survived by her children John C. Jr. "Chip" (Lisa) and Ann of Darby MT, Sara of Geneva N.Y. and Mark of Arvada CO, sister-in-law Sandra of Port Jefferson N.Y. and many devoted nieces and nephews and their children. After Florence graduated Summa Cum Laude from Port Jefferson High School, she attended Cornell University and was active in the Wesley Foundation, Women's Glee Club and her sorority life. With a keen interest in design and a flare for colors, Florence considered attending the Fashion Institute of Technology upon graduating Cornell. But it was at Cornell that John met Florence, and fell in love with his beautiful wife of 62 years. Their married life began in Williamsville N.Y., where John began his practice of law and their first child, "Chip" was born. With a desire to raise their children in a small town community, they moved to Phelps, where Sara, Ann and Mark were born, and John established his country lawyer practice in 1956. Florence embarked upon her journey as amazing wife, mother, community volunteer, artist and lover of nature's gifts. She was President of The Phelps Community Library Board and volunteer for over 30 years, Vice President of The Phelps Art Center, avid reader and long-standing member of the Tuesday Club, 'The Flower Lady' for over 25 years and member of the stewardship/finance and mission committees at The United Church of Phelps and board member and volunteer at The Phelps Historical Society. Florence's hobbies included flower arranging, sewing, painting, cooking and baking, and oh, what a fantastic cook she was. Florence was an avid gardener, and her family reaped the rewards throughout the year. She could name the symphony and composer, after hearing just a few notes. Florence and John loved to walk together to be an intimate part of nature and to listen to the songbirds, of which Florence could identify most. Always kind and there for a friend or family member in need, her sparkling wit and conversation were natural gifts she gave to all in her life. In her earlier days, she had a remarkable memory and the gift of imagination. Her letters will be cherished by those who kept them. The giver of life, the embodiment of grace and the symbol of love, Florence is the Lark Ascending. A memorial service and Celebration of Florence's life will be held Saturday, June 24, 12 noon at The United Church of Phelps, 58 Main Street, Phelps N.Y. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Florence's memory may be made to The Phelps Memorial Library, 8 Banta Street, Suite 200, Phelps, NY 14532 or to The Smith Opera House, 82 Seneca Street, Geneva, NY 14456. Please note in memory of Florence S. Britting, who will be dearly missed by all who's lives she touched. Florence S. Britting 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Saturday, June 24, 2017 United Church of Phelps 58 Main Street Phelps, New York, United States 14532