Florence Hathaway died on Jan. 2, 2026, after a short illness. She was born on Oct. 6, 1932, which made her 93 years old, not that she liked to admit that. Born and raised in Brooklyn to Anthony and Betty Rickey, she was a self-proclaimed “city girl.” After graduating from school, Flo went to work in the garment district as a secretary. She discovered a love for horses and began spending her weekends at various “dude ranches” until she discovered the Round Up Ranch in Downsville. She fell in love with the Catskill Mountains and spent the rest of her life there, never regretting leaving the city.
Flo was married to Carl Hathaway, had two children, a daughter, Toni Hume (Chuck Ruff), a son, Rodney Fitch, and three grandchildren, Erin Hume-Cocks (John), Kate Moretti (James) and Jake Hume. She had four great grandchildren: Connor Cocks, Jordan Cocks, Daniela Moretti and Michaela Moretti. She was inordinately proud of all of them.
A lifelong “Kennedy” Democrat, scotch drinker, and feminist, Flo owned “Flo’s Yarn and Craft” until 2017. She believed needlework was a lost art and missed her shop, her friends and customers until the day she died. She was opinionated, fiercely loyal, and funny, with a profane sense of humor. The world is a little less colorful without her in it.
Flo was predeceased by her husband, Carl, her parents, Tony and Betty Rickey, and her beloved son Rodney. Memorial contributions in her name should go to the Downsville Fire Department. There will be no calling hours or funeral (because she hated them) but a private graveside service will be held in the spring.
Dignified cremation provided by the Harris Crematorium, LLC. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Harris Funeral Home, Railroad Ave. Roscoe; 607-498-4929 or 845-439-5200; www.Harris-FH.com
