Florence S. Durfee

Florence (Stafford) Durfee, R.N., age 99, of Fall River, died on May 25, 2012 in the Adam’s House. She was the wife of the late Leonard Durfee a longtime Comptroller and Associate Administrator of the former Truesdale Hospital until his death in 1959.

Born in Fall River, a daughter of the late Stephen L. and Lottie Mae (Lawton) Stafford, she lived in Somerset for over forty years before returning to Fall River in 1996.

A graduate of B.M.C. Durfee High School, class of 1930 and the Former Union Hospital School of Nursing, class of 1934, she worked as a Registered Nurse at the former Union Hospital and the former Truesdale Hospital. She also worked as a Private Duty Nurse until her retirement in 1978.

She was a member of the First Congregational Church in Fall River for over fifty years, the Fall River Historical Society, the Somerset Historical Society, Union Hospital Nurses Alumnae, Charlton Memorial Hospital Retired Employees association, the Lifetime Learning Association, and the Fall River Woman’s Club. She was an avid bridge player and enjoyed playing the piano, reading poetry, knitting and needlepoint.

She is survived by two sons; Stephen S. Durfee and his wife Marcia of Naples, Florida and Pittsfield, MA, Richard W. Durfee and his wife Connie of Plymouth, MA, one sister; Ruth Scholes of Swansea, MA, six grandchildren; Scott Durfee, Susan Durfee, Kevin Durfee, Sarah Demarest, Jason Durfee, and Clinton Durfee, 7 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was sister of the late Avis Stafford, Marion Reed and Lottie Kay.

Her funeral will be held Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at 1PM in the Adam’s House 1168 Highland Ave. Fall River. Contributions in her honor may be made to Adams House. Burial in Oak Grove Cemetery, Fall River. Arrangements are in the care of the Waring-Sullivan Home of Memorial Tribute at Cherry Place 178 Winter St. Fall River.