Florence Gates Rickard

Florence Gates Rickard, age 103, passed away peacefully at home on Oct 5, 2024, of natural causes.

Florence was born in Oneida, NY on August 23, 1921, to her parents Clifford Elwood and Florence Mae (Wentzel) Gates. She grew up in Hamilton, NY, and moved to Ithaca, NY in 1943 when she married Charles Glenwood Rickard.

Florence was a 1942 graduate of the University of Michigan, where she earned a teaching degree in English. She was a proud member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. Her passion for learning and the English language continued throughout her life as she enjoyed reading books, learning foreign languages, solving crossword puzzles, and was an avid bridge player. She raised her children with strong values and encouraged proper behaviors, including correct grammar.

Florence enjoyed opera and philharmonic music, including attending Ithaca College’s concert series. She enjoyed flowers and bird watching. In her younger years, she volunteered at various community outreaches, such as the local clothing pantry. She also often served as secretary for community organizations, including the Veterinary College Ladies Auxiliary and Friends of the Library. Florence was a member of the First Congregational Church since 1983 and was a member of the church choir for many years.

Florence and her husband Charles were both active members of the Power Squadron. They took their sailing boat, Cricket, on adventures up and down the East Coast and in the Bahamas. She traveled world- wide, and enjoyed cooking recipes from around the world. Her family’s favorite remained the Thanksgiving feast where she served recipes that had been handed down through the generations. Florence’s love for her family was evident in the way she put care into hosting the family for the holidays and brought them together. She was fond of going to the family “camp” in Madison, NY to spend time with her children and grandchildren. Florence had a laid-back personality and reassuring attitude that everything would work out in the end. Known for her kindness and good nature, Florence will be dearly missed by her family, who are grateful to have had her with them for so many years.

Florence is survived by her son, David B. (June) Rickard of Dunedin, FL, her daughters, Jean L. Rickard of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Claire S. Rickard of Ithaca, NY, and her sister, Kathryn Farrell (Donald Fail) of Sharon, MA. Florence is also survived by 6 grandchildren: David B. Rickard Jr, Michael G. Rickard, Heather E. Domin, Andrew C. Rickard, Theodore C. Sill, and Yvonne M. Sill, and 11 great-grandchildren. Florence was pre-deceased by her husband of 50 years, Charles G. Rickard, her son Charles G. ("Rick") Rickard III of San Diego, CA, her son, Andrew W. Rickard of S. Burlington, VT, and her sister Elizabeth G. (Charles) Shuter.

A funeral will be held at the Asbury Church, 2978 N. Triphammer Rd, Lansing, NY, on Oct. 26, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Salvation Army, or the SPCA.