Florence M McCool

Florence M. McCool, 81, of 523 Cooperstown Road, Cooperstown, went to be with the Lord and her husband at 12:30 a.m. Sunday, May 24, 2009, at St. Vincent Health Center, Erie. Born June 9, 1927, in Ripley, N.Y., she was a daughter of Hary Stearns and Velma Robishaw (Brown) Stearns. Mrs. McCool worked as a nursing assistant at Oil City Hospital. She was a member of the Mount Carmel Tabernacle. She enjoyed crocheting, knitting, bingo and reading. She was married June 15, 1945, to Ivan L. McCool, who preceded her in death. Surviving are two children, Francis L. McCool of Franklin and Mrs. Jeanne A. Brown of Utica; six grandchildren, Richard E. Brown and his wife, Jennifer, of Oil City, Brian K. Brown of Utica, Tammy McCool of Franklin, Jamie McCool of Franklin, Johnny McCool of Oil City and Robert McCool of Franklin; many great-grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a brother and his wife, Harris L. and Shirley Stearns of Cooperstown. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Charles, James and Sammie Stearns; an infant brother, William Stearns; and a son-in-law, Eugene Brown. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Gardinier Funeral Home, 1315 Chestnut St. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in the funeral home with the Rev. Robert Witmer, retired minister of the Mount Carmel Tabernacle, officiating. Interment will be in the Cooperstown Cemetery. The family suggests memorials be made to the Mount Carmel Tabernacle. Online condolences may be sent at www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.