Michelle Myers Florence, 92, of Rye, New York, passed away peacefully on Dec. 1, 2024 surrounded by family and friends. Born in Philadelphia to Robert and Rowena Myers, Michelle was raised in Loudon Woods and attended Rye Country Day and The Ethel Walker School in Simsbury, Conn. She spent her first two years of college at Smith before transferring to Stanford University, her parents’ alma mater.
Following her graduation in 1954, Michelle returned to New York to work in admissions at Finch College in Manhattan. In 1958, she married David W. Florence, Jr. and the couple moved to San Francisco where David was in business. Sometime later, the Florences returned to Manhattan and finally settled in Rye where the couple developed and ran multiple businesses before starting Direct Media Inc. in Greenwich, Conn.
As the couples’ family grew to include three sons, Michelle pivoted to family and community life. She was dedicated to serving others and did so by teaching many students of all ages to overcome reading obstacles. She also drove bread to soup kitchens in the South Bronx and taught horseback riding to children with special needs at the Pegasus Therapeutic Riding Center.
She was staff photographer for The Rye Record, was an avid bridge player, member of the One World Book Club, and participated in the Rye Garden Club plant exchanges.
A lifelong member of The Apawamis Club and Manursing Island Club, Michelle adored swimming in the sound and playing tennis. She also delighted in birdwatching and traveling the world with family and friends.
Michelle developed loyal relationships with people from all walks of life and continues to be respected and admired for her graciousness and dedication to going out of her way to truly help people overcome various obstacles in their lives, including battles with addiction.
Of course, what Michelle treasured most was family – including her five grandchildren, other family members and countless friends.
Michelle is survived by her three sons David III, Robert Pearce and John Mason; grandchildren David IV, Jennifer, Isabella, Robert and Lilly; great grandson David V.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025 at Rye Presbyterian Church.